FAQs

Yes. While we have returning students, the majority of students each year are joining us for the first time.

No prior acting, singing or dancing experience is required to participate in West End Stage. Due to the ensemble nature of the course both beginners and experienced students will be nurtured and challenged. The allocation of teaching groups is based on age and experience.

West End Stage takes place at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, near Barbican, Central London. The accommodation students stay at Guildhall’s Halls of Residence, which is a few minutes walk from the main school.

On Sunday, the final performance takes place at a West End Theatre. Previous theatres for the final performance have included His Majesty’s Theatre, the Shaftesbury Theatre and the Phoenix Theatre.

The class sizes range from 20-25 students. Each class will be in a performance group of 4 classes.

The exact date that WES sells out varies each year. However, accommodation places in particular tend to sell out very early in the year. Booking is on a first-come, first-served basis.  When each week is sold out a waiting list will be available.  Should a place become available, people on the waiting list will be invited to book in the order in which they joined the list.

Yes. There are accommodation places available at Guildhall’s Halls of Residence. Please be advised that these places are particularly popular and tend to sell out much quicker than day places do. Our accommodation places include full board, 24/7 supervision and evening activities.

Yes. The chaperone to student ratio is 1:15. The accommodation and day course chaperones are based on site and are always available for any student needing assistance. When students are aged 18 or over, there is flexibility for them to do certain things on their own, as long as this is properly arranged and communicated with their chaperone.

All participants under the age of 18 will only be allowed to leave the premises on their own if we have received written permission from a parent or guardian. An online form to authorise ‘self sign-out’ for day students will be sent to participants’ parents/guardians a few weeks before the course begins. This will allow them to leave on their own at the end of the school day if you wish.

All accommodation students are provided with lunch every day. For day students, the school can provide a healthy lunch and refreshments for an extra £40 for the week. We encourage all students to bring a refillable bottle of water to keep hydrated during the day. As long as we are notified, any medical or dietary needs can be accommodated. You will have an opportunity to indicate this on the booking form.

Yes. All our staff have been fully DBS checked.

We have a dedicated team of fully trained First Aiders and Mental Health First Aiders who are on hand 24/7 to deal with any incidents that might arise.

All WES staff members go through a rigorous interview and training process. Our acting, singing and dance teachers are all industry professionals and have West End credits.

The day starts at 10am and finishes at 5pm with a lunch break. Each day will be packed with classes, workshops and masterclasses covering all aspects of training in acting and musical theatre, with daily rehearsals to prepare for the final performance at the end of the week. Students are welcome to be dropped off and collected between 9am – 5.30pm.

Precise details of the course material is kept under wraps until the course begins! However, all material selected is appropriate to the age group of each individual class. It will comprise of acting, singing and dancing. A wide range of musical theatre is explored, guaranteeing a brilliant time for the students and a spectacular final performance.

The West End show that we will be watching is announced every April.

Our website features course details, an example timetable and other important information. Once you have booked on to the course, all further information and updates will be communicated to you via email.

Yes. As a school cultivating tomorrow’s stars, casting directors and agents are keen to see emerging talent. Some will attend the final showcase, whilst others may pop in during the week to see the students during class.

Details of students’ group allocations will be sent by email a few weeks prior to the course beginning. This email will also contain details of what time your child’s performance will begin and how to book tickets.

Yes. Every day students will be working towards their final show. Consistent attendance ensures the best experience for all participants.

During the week, students should wear comfy clothes that they can easily move in and comfy trainers or dance shoes.

For the performance on Sunday, each student will be provided with a West End Stage T-shirt to wear. On the bottom, they should wear plain black trousers, leggings or joggers and black jazz shoes or trainers. Small logos (for example a Nike tick) are absolutely fine.

No. If your child does not have dance shoes, it is not necessary to purchase them. Soft-soled trainers or pumps are acceptable. No flip-flops, sandals, open toed or platform shoes are permitted.

If your child does have dance shoes, they may of course wear them.

No, parents are not permitted to watch rehearsals.

Yes. All of the performances will be professionally filmed and you will be able to purchase a copy of the digital version once the summer school has finished.

Unfortunately West End Stage is unable to accept childcare vouchers.

Please download the T&Cs from our website for all information on cancellation policies.

If, at any time, you have any questions about the course, you can email us at info@westendstage.com    You can also call us on 0207 8367947. The West End Stage team can be reached Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.