London Performing Arts Academy Run By Michael Xavier Announces Sir Matthew Bourne As Guest Teacher

Lucky students at the Musical Theatre Masterclass (MTM) academy in London will be taught this term by star masterclass guests including Sir Matthew Bourne, it was announced today.

The performing arts training ground, run by two-time Olivier award nominee Michael Xavier, who has just returned from starring in two Broadway shows, is fast becoming the most popular weekend Musical Theatre training academy in London, with students travelling from as far away as Glasgow, Guernsey and even Portugal to attend each Sunday.

The academy, situated at The Umbrella Rooms on Shaftesbury Avenue, is famous for attracting the biggest names in the performing arts to give its students special masterclasses, alongside its fantastic regular teaching staff.

Last year's guests included the country's biggest stars of the West End stage, including Olivier Award winners Matt Henry MBE, Rebecca Trehearn and Katie Brayben as well as Musical Theatre superstars Kerry Ellis, Tony and Olivier nominee Ramin Karimloo, Louise Dearman and not forgetting Oslo's Peter Polycarpou and Aladdin's Genie, Trevor Dion Nicholas. This year Michael Xavier intends to have even more West End stars and industry professionals attending.

He says, "We pride ourselves on bringing in the most incredible stars of the West End stage to work with our students alongside our brilliant regular teachers. We also offer our students a different perspective on aspects of the industry by inviting Casting Directors, Agents, Directors and Choreographers to offer their own unique Masterclasses. I'm fortunate that with my connections in both London and New York we're able to get different viewpoints of theatre from both the West End and Broadway - for example, we have Broadway actor and director Will Blum coming in very soon. This year we have some very exciting people lined up!

"We're also branching out - with masterclasses being given by professionals in the world of film and TV, such as actor and owner of Self Tape, Cameron Jack, in order to help students approach the ever-evolving world of screen acting.

"These professionals are people who've been very successful in this industry and are the best-placed to give real advice and insights into what it takes to achieve that sort of success. Their knowledge and opinions are invaluable to our students and I just wish I could've joined MTM when I was growing up!

"I am so excited to announce that our patron, Sir Matthew Bourne will be one of our first guest teachers this term. There is quite simply nobody else like him in the industry!"

Sir Matthew Bourne OBE is a world-famous director and choreographer, best known for Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands, The Car Man, The Red Shoes and Cinderella. He is a multiple award-winner and has taken home an incredible four Olivier awards and two Tony awards.

MTM is audition-only and accepts talented aspiring Musical Theatre performers from ages 10 to 25 years and aims to get them ready for a career on the stage, or to be successful in gaining a place at one of the highly competitive Musical Theatre further education colleges.

Current MTM students who have already enjoyed professional success, include:

Asha Banks, 14, who has six professional shows to her name and played Pandora in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, the musical, at the Menier Chocolate Factory in the Summer, which followed an 8 month run as Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane;

Emily Carey, 14, who was in The Sound of Music at Regents Park Open Air Theatre and played series regular Grace Beauchamp in BBC's Casualty, as well as appearing as young Gal Gadot in the film Wonder Woman. She is currently filming the role of young Lara Croft in the latest Tomb Raider film;

and Sophia Pettit, 15, who won an Olivier award for her part in School of Rock, and played Annie in the Annie UK Tour.

The next audition day is Sunday 11st February - at which candidates will be given a special one-to-one masterclass with Michael Xavier himself. There are still a few places left. For those interested in auditioning, please go to www.mtmasterclass.com to sign up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Q4keGkLdk

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