Theatre School
for ages 8 to 21
Saturdays, 10:00AM to 3:45PM
The Forest School, Winnersh
Berkshire Theatre School continues to grow our students’ confidence and encourage them to flourish within all aspects of the performing arts.
All classes and workshops are taught by industry professionals who have a wealth of theatrical experience and expertise.
Our staff are dedicated to ensuring that students get the very best training in this part-time setting.
Our high standards have resulted in many students gaining places at top performing arts colleges and have then gone on to make their mark within the industry, in stage, film and TV.
“BTS definitely gave me the confidence to stand on a stage and not be terrified.”
Danny Griffin – Actor, The Winx Saga – Netflix
A day at BTS
All students begin the day with a 15-minute company warm-up, followed by 4 x 45-minute classes in a wide range of disciplines, including Acting, Improvisation, Musical Theatre, Singing and Dance.
Lunch is supervised by our teachers where students enjoy time to relax with their friends from 1:15pm – 2:00pm.
The afternoon sessions, from 2:00pm – 3:45pm, include Master Classes led by visiting professional performers and practitioners from throughout the world of theatre and stage, such as Olivier award winner Charlie Stemp, West End star Kerry Ellis, Alexzandra Sarmiento (Dance Captain Hamilton, West End), CBeebies Presenter Gemma Hunt and Resident Director of School of Rock and Billy Elliot, Alan Bradshaw.
Many of our visiting practitioners also join our rehearsals for upcoming productions and public performances to give our students real-world help and advice on how to achieve their best performances on stage.
BTS has a no mobile phone policy, which helps to keep the students focussed on their performances in class, whilst also helping to create an environment where they can more easily relax, interact and talk to each other at break and lunchtimes, encouraging lasting friendships and strong team-building.
Why do our students love BTS and keep coming back year after year?
Watch this video to find out…
LAMDA
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) are the largest performing arts examining body in the world and BTS students can take LAMDA examinations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Speaking in Public and Verse and Prose.
LAMDA classes are additional to the normal BTS day and work towards two external exam sessions which take place each year. Dani, our Head of Acting, was on the board of LAMDA examiners for many years.
LAMDA exams are about achievement – recognising and rewarding the endeavours of each individual. Our ultimate aim is to provide the opportunity to develop the life-skills that pupils need to be a success. It is great for nurturing self-confidence and the ability to communicate and present ideas clearly.
At the heart of LAMDA examinations is the recognition that the qualifications are for everyone. Across the globe, the examinations unite learners of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and cultures in enthusiasm for the English language and a desire to develop skills for life.
Productions and performance opportunities
Musicals
BTS productions are performed annually at one of Berkshire’s many leading theatres, including The Hexagon, Reading and The Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell.
Each year we perform two full musical productions, one for our Junior Theatre School (ages 6-13) and another for our Senior Theatre School (ages 13+).
Cabaret and Awards Night
All our students perform in an Annual Christmas Cabaret event. This show is held in a local theatre at the end of our Autumn term and also acts as an awards ceremony for students who have proved to be outstanding during the year.
BTS holds a professional reputation as one of the UK’s leading part-time theatre schools and many of our students are often invited to perform as the children’s choir for the professional production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Other opportunities have included performing with the music group Collabro, Patty Boulaye, Conquerors trilogy – (RABBLE Theatre – Top 20 in the Guardian 2017) and Macbeth (RABBLE Theatre), with many more exciting opportunities to perform with professionals.
Casting directors and agents regularly visit our theatre school seeking new talent, either for film, TV or theatre opportunities.
Some of our Guest Teachers
Charlie Stemp
Burt - Mary Poppins, West end
Gemma Hunt
CBeebies Presenter
Idriss Kargbo
West End Performer
Alice Fern
Come From Away, West End
Chris Whitaker
Choreographer
Katie Bradley
Pretty Woman, West End
Andrew Simeon
Resident Director - Legally Blonde UK Tour
Alexzandra Sarmiento
Dance Captain, Hamilton, West End
Michael Jibson
Olivier Award Winner
Katie Lee
Dance Captain, Matilda, West End and Feature Film
Philip Joel
Choreographer
Genevieve Lorenzo Martin
West End Performer
Kerrie Ellis
Olivier Award Winner
“BTS has helped me grow as both a person and performer; the training that I received there is invaluable, and the memories made every Saturday with my friends and through the performance opportunities are ones that will stay with me for life!
From introducing me to musical theatre, to giving me extra support for my drama school auditions, BTS has been there every step of my training and has given me all the fundamental tools to allow me to further my studies at a professional level.”
Natasha Dunt – BTS head girl (2018-2020)
currently studying ba musical theatre at Guildford School of Acting
The training is exhilarating and demanding but always fun and rewarding; allowing everyone to flourish.
BTS Starlets
For ages 6 to 8
Saturdays, 9:30AM to 12:30PM
The Forest School, Winnersh
Children aged 6 to 8 will receive 4 x 45-minute classes. These young artists build their confidence and abilities in Singing, Musical Theatre, Dance, Acting and Script Work.
Students will learn routines, songs and scenes from musicals to develop their performance skills. These sessions are designed to prepare them to eventually participate in the full day at BTS.
Our Starlet students also get the opportunity to perform in the annual Junior Stage School Show and Cabaret event, which helps to improve their abilities and confidence.
Starlet’s classes begin at 10am with a group singing class where they are taught to explore their voices and discover how sounds are made and formed along with learning to sing with others, improving their pitch, articulation and musical ear. The children continue to develop their rhythm and timing by learning fun dance routines, improving on co-ordination, balance and spatial awareness.
Little Stars
For ages 3 to 6
Saturdays, 9:15AM to 10:45AM
Winnersh Primary School, Winnersh (From sept 2024)
£150 per 10 week term
Little Stars is the perfect way for younger students to build their confidence, communication and movement skills, before they move up to BTS Starlets and then eventually, when they are ready, into the full-day Theatre School.
Students take part in all three disciplines of Musical Theatre, including Singing, Dancing and Drama and have a brilliant time playing games within these subjects and putting on short productions for family and friends. Just the basics they need before they start treading the boards and enjoying the freedom of performing arts.
“We introduced my daughter to BTS as a very shy four year old, hoping that it would help her confidence. She took to it almost immediately and has loved her time there ever since. She’s now eleven and has not missed a single weekend!”
Parent of BTS student
