Post on 21-Jul-2018
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Perform...[per fáwrm]
• accomplish something: to carryout an action requiring care or skill
• fulfil requirement: to do what isstated
• present artistic work: to enact anartistic work to an audience
• function or behave: to operate to aparticular standard
...Can You?
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Introduction by the Founder & Artistic Director 4
Principal’s Welcome 4
College Life 5-11
Performance and Teaching in Dance Diploma 12-17
Musical Theatre Diploma 18-21
Work Experience and APL 22
Stay Connected 23
Contents
MDDC
Prospectus
Introduction by the Founder & Artistic Director
Mrs Gaynor OwenARAD, FISTD (MF & IBF),AISTD (BF).ISTD Examiner and Chairperson for the Modern Theatre Faculty.
After more than 50 years teaching and
examining dancers and dance teachers, I
am thrilled to see the next generation of
young performers tread the boards at
Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre.
The aspirations, hopes and dreams of each new year are
constant - to be the best, to perform, to dance.
MDDC offers each student the opportunity for rigorous
study into the practical and theoretical applications of
professional performance and dance. Lessons learnt
become tools a graduating student can use in order to fully
achieve their dream. MDDC expects hard work, discipline,
tenacity and commitment from its students, just as they
expect excellence and knowledge from the faculty.
Reaching a professional standard in dance and musical
theatre performance is only possible through the application
of these qualities.
We know... we’ve built a reputation on it.
Principal’s Welcome
Debbie JamesFISTD (MF & TF), LISTD (IBF).ISTD Examiner to CDE, Modern and Tap.
Welcome to the Merseyside Dance and
Drama Centre prospectus. I am delighted
that you are thinking about auditioning to
study at MDDC. In this prospectus you will
find information about the courses we
offer that can help you prepare for the rigorous life as a
professional performer, dancer and dance teacher. You will
also find out what it’s like being a student at MDDC and
hear about the careers of MDDCGraduates.
Realising your true potential begins with MDDC; the
first step towards professional performance.
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MDDC
College L
ife
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End of year show 2008 - excerpts fromRichard O’Brien’s “The Rocky HorrorPicture Show”
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“MDDC has thehighest standard oftraining.”
Sarah Hulse,Graduating Class of 1999
MDDC
College L
ife
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“It’s great to get arecord deal and it’s allthanks to MissSuzanne’s training.”
David Jonson, GraduatingClass of 2000
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WhyLiverpool?
WhyMerseyside Dance and Drama Centre?
The vibrant city of Liverpool, Capital of Culture in 2008,
has a lot to offer dance and drama students from all
over the world. A lively theatre, comedy and music
scene provides some of the very best live entertainment
in the North. With more theatres, museums, galleries
and listed buildings than in any other region outside
London, Liverpool’s cultural heritage has produced a
plethora of dancers, performers, actors, comedians
and musicians.
The revival of the city centre began with the construction
of the world-class Echo Arena, rivalling Manchester’s
MEN Arena as THE place to perform for the biggest
international stars. Now a major attraction in itself,
Liverpool One hosts a variety of eateries to suit any
palate complimenting the unique World Heritage site of
the Three Graces.
Act DanceSingLearn
Teach SweatPerform“I chose MDDC because it offered the most rounded andcomprehensive dance and performance training in thecountry.”
Jacqueline Mayor, Graduating Class of 2009
MDDC
College L
ife
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Situated in the heart of Liverpool, only two minutes from
Lime Street Station, MDDC is ideally located for
everything a bustling city offers. MDDC believes in a
holistic approach to teaching. Each student’s individual
qualities and talents are catered for within the structure
of a rigorous timetable.
This offers the unique opportunity to study for a Double
Diploma as Musical Theatre students can also study
towards ISTD DDI and DDE dance teaching qualifications.
This is recommended for all Musical Theatre students
as it offers a second career in dance teaching when a
performance career ends.
Ballet is compulsory for all students and classes are
available for first years of all levels from Intermediate
through to Advanced II. Ballet lessons are essential
for providing a strong technique necessary in other
dance disciplines.
Singing and drama are also compulsory lessons in the
first year. This enables a true understanding of breathing
techniques and dramatic expression for trainee dance
teachers as well as musical theatre students.
MDDC offer one of the widest ranges of dance genres
in the country. Modern Theatre, Tap and National are
offered to ISTD DDE level and accompanied by Hip
Hop, singing, harmony, drama, and Musical Theatre.
Disco, Contemporary, Ballroom and Latin American
and are available to ISTD Associate level.
True success can be measured in terms of career
longevity. From West End productions, Cats, West Side
Story and Chicago among others, television, films,
videos and modelling to teaching and examining,
MDDC is proud of its graduates’ achievements. After a
performance career many graduates have gone on to
prominent positions in theatre production, choreography,
singing and the teaching profession with their own
schools, and as major examiners all over the world.
Resources
With nine studios over four floors MDDC is one of the
biggest dance teaching and performance colleges in
the UK. A dedicated singing room creates an intimate
atmosphere enhancing assessment and learning. A
fully equipped gymnasium is perfectly suited to
achieving greater strength, especially for lifts in double
work. There is also an IT Room with four internet
connected computers and a printer for essential course
work research.
Accommodation
While many local students remain at home for the duration
of their training, most students prefer to rent flats or
shared accommodation in Liverpool. Student
accommodation is available in many areas of the city and
are ideally situated for local and national transport links.
Welfare
Pro-active pastoral care is available to all students
throughout the three years of training, offering assistance
in finding accommodation, employment and helping
students handle any difficult situations that may arise
within their studies or life outside college. A counselling
service is also offered to any student who may need
further assistance in handling any issues.
A tutoring system is initiated at the start of the first year
and each student is allocated a personal tutor for
confidential discussions regarding issues that may affect
their training.
MDDC views the health and welfare of students as a
primary concern. An on-site, fully qualified physiotherapist
is available and any referrals to local health specialists
maintain a student’s physicality to its fullest ability.
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Application Procedure
All students must pass the academy audition. Entry to
MDDC is by audition and interview with the Principal.
Auditions are held regularly throughout the year for
enrolment in the following academic year. On receipt of
an application form, all prospective students will be
offered an audition date with a request to confirm the
date. Applications forms are available to download
from the MDDC website.
MDDC actively encourage overseas students and, in
the event of attendance difficulties, audition by video is
allowed. This must be accompanied by supporting
evidence of training, qualifications and two full length
photographs in practice outfit.
MDDC
College L
ife
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• Medical assessment by MDDC resident doctor• GCSE in basic subjects, unless there are special
circumstances acceptable to the Principal• Students hoping to study drama must have
completed GCSE English Language or Literature• Candidates should normally be 16 years of age
before September 1st of the enrolment year• A separate report from an orthopaedic consultant
may be required• Candidates requiring entrance from other
establishments must provide writtenapproval from their tutor
Application Requirements
MDDCPerformance and Teaching in Dance
• Classical Ballet• Modern Theatre• Tap• National• Jazz• Double Work• Latin American & Ballroom• Contemporary• Performance• Creative Choreography• Singing• Acting• Voice & Speech Production• Drama Improvisation• Movement for Actors• AS & A Level Dance• Contextual Studies• Employment Skill• Fitness, Health & Safety• Musical Theory• Musical Theatre
• Teaching Skills:DDI Unit 1/DDE Unit 1
• Health & Safety:DDI Unit 2/DDE Unit 4
• Lifespan Development:DDI Unit 3/DDE Unit 5
• Dance Practice:DDI Unit 4/DDE Unit 6
• Music & Dance Relationship:DDI Unit 5/DDE Unit 7
• Dance Genre Background:DDI Unit 6/DDE Unit 8
• Dance Teaching Practice:DDE Unit 2
• Evaluation:DDE Unit 3
• ISTD Associate Ballroom• ISTD Associate Disco• ISTD Associate Latin American
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“After a 4 year dance career performing around the world,I now have my own school with 130 students.”
Vicky Evans, Class of 2000
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MDDC
Performance&
Teaching
Full-Time 3 Year Diploma Performance & Teaching in DanceYEAR ONEMDDCGrounding - A rounded introduction into the principals of dance, performance and musical theatre.Must be completed before study commences on chosen learning path.Accredited Prior Learning (APL) alsoacknowledged.
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The first year at MDDC provides a solid foundation in all
aspects of dance quality, musicality and breath control
- essential ingredients for achieving a successful
performance career. Laying the groundwork for the
study that follows in Years 2 and 3, the first years primary
aim is to help the student understand and improve
posture, weight distribution, muscle control and limb
extension. Understanding these basics of self- and
spatial-awareness helps to develop the confidence
necessary for a student to achieve their very best.
Individual abilities are identified and catered for within
each module through constant appraisal and review.
This tailored teaching style intends to assist all students
to achieve a minimum of Intermediate level in all dance
genres by the end of the first year. Prior levels of
achievement are fully acknowledged and catered for
within the tailored programmes. High achieving students
will be encouraged to develop their potential within the
structure of the college’s teaching programme. This may
include taking classes with more advanced students.
In the first year work also begins on how to control
breathing in dancing and singing classes. This, along
with vocal confidence in drama and scale building and
voice development in singing, helps to build
performance confidence in all three disciplines.
The expansion of a student’s musical theatre repertoire
is greatly encouraged as is gaining confidence in solo
singing work. Drama classes work towards LAMDA
Bronze examinations and the study of theatrical
knowledge begins the journey to full musical theatre
production. This is complimented by improvisation
work and builds an understanding of characterisation
through movement, prop work, different time periods
and costumes.
Lessons in all dance genres broadens the knowledge
of technical dance vocabulary and students must be
able to demonstrate precise movements of each dance
style and how to achieve correct lines. Potential musical
theatre students are encouraged to attend DDI
classes with important lessons focusing on health &
safety in dance, lifespan development and learning in
dance. Lessons also include the historical development
of dance and the relationship between music and a
chosen dance genre.
The first year of study is often the hardest as students
make the transition from school to college life. It
requires dedication, discipline and hard work - qualities
necessary not just for college but also for a successful
performance and dance teaching career.
MDDC
Performance&
Teaching
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Full-Time 3 Year DiplomaPerformance & Teaching in DanceYEAR TWOMDDCCreating - Enhancing creativity through practice,dance classes and examinations in preparation for professionalperformances.
Exercises are designed to increase flexibility, limb
and spine extension, muscle and breathing control.
Increasing the quality and ease of coordinated
movement through all dance genres helps to develop
cleaner lines. Increasing knowledge of dance
genres is demonstrated by performing movements
with assurance and style.
As self-confidence builds during the second year practical
work develops the ideas already learnt in the first into
a stronger knowledge base. ISTD Diploma in Dance
Instruction (DDI) evidence portfolios and written
exams for other DDI modules are completed providing
solid preparation for in-depth assessments in the
CDE examinations modules.
All students are expected to acquire basic research
referencing, presentation and evaluation skills for
DDI completion. Study of the DDE modules will
commence in the second year continuing into the
third year of training.
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MDDC
Performance&
TeachingFull-Time 3 Year Diploma Performance & Teaching in DanceYEAR THREEMDDCProfessional - Enhancing creativity through practice dance classes and examinations in preparation for professional performances.
MDDCProfessional - Deepening dedication and discipline
through concerted study and dance practice to achieve
a professional performance.
The third year at MDDC focuses on assisting the
student to achieve the fullest professional standard
possible in all aspects of dance, dance teaching and
musical theatre.
A clean, instinctive and vital performance is expected of
all students; as is the ability to express an innate creative
intelligence and musicality through choreography and
professional performance. The student must be able to
show developed characterisation and a stronger sense
of individuality to an audience.
The ISTD Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) modules
are undertaken which consists of eight units that further
enhance the teaching knowledge already achieved.
Students are expected to achieve the teaching criteria
of, and to successfully complete the DDE examinations
for their chosen dance genres.
Many students achieve DDE in a number of dance genres.
This is only achievable through the dedicated
application of lessons learnt throughout the three years
of study.
In order to graduate students must achieve:
Two ISTD Advanced II in chosen dance genres
and/or
Two DDE Qualifications
The final performance at the end of the year is a
celebration as graduates get ready to embark on their
professional performance career. It also serves as a
Showcase for agents, directors and choreographers.
MDDCGraduates have gone on to successful careers in
professional performance and have seen their careers
continue into teaching all over the world, either in their
own school or as part of a teaching squad.
Keep up-to-date with MDDCGraduates by visiting the
website.
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MDDCMusical Theatre Diploma
• Classical Ballet
• Modern Theatre
• Tap
• National
• Jazz
• Double Work
• Latin American & Ballroom
• Contemporary
• Hip Hop
• Performance
• Singing
• Musical Theatre Acting
• Acting
• Voice & Speech Production
• Drama Improvisation
• Make-up
• Movement for Actors
• Creative Choreography
• Portfolio & CV Production
• Fitness and Health & Safety
• Musical Theatre Production
• Audition Techniques
• Music Theory
• Contextual Studies
• AS & A Level Dance
MDDC
Musical T
heatre
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After completing the compulsory Year One at MDDC
(see page 14) students may audition to study for the
MDDCMusical Theatre Diploma.
The MDDCMT Diploma does not involve extensive
written assessment and therefore requires a greater
degree of dedication and tenacity in order to be fully
prepared for a performance career.
Acceptance onto the programme is by audition at the
start of the second year, continuous internal assessment
and a second audition at the beginning of the third
year. Auditions will require students to perform both a
song and a monologue of their choosing.
Dedicated students have the option of including the
ISTD DDI and DDE modules into their timetable. These
qualifications offer the opportunity of a second career
in dance teaching after a performance career has
ended. This extra study is strongly recommended.
Full-Time 3 Year Diploma Musical Theatre
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Full-Time 3 Year Diploma Musical TheatreYEAR TWOMDDCCreating - Enhancing creativity through practice, dance classes andexaminations in preparation for professional performances.
As well as working on dance classes in chosen genres,
singing and drama classes become more focused.
Following on from scale building and voice development
exercises the second year develops the singing voice
further by more extended vocal exercises. Detailed
understanding of the mechanism of the voice improves
range and tone. Along with more complex register work
a student’s repertoire is increased to encompass more
varied styles of singing. Individual, duet and group
work is accompanied with harmony classes to enhance
vocal confidence that will eventually work towards solo
performances.
Drama classes assist in vocal understanding as
articulation, modulation and dexterity are increased
while improvisation work enhances confidence and
spontaneity bringing with it a more energetic performance.
Solo, duo and group work is accompanied by the use
of props and costumes while scripted text works
towards LAMDA Silver Medal standard.
Getting to grips with dramatic and comedic texts
includes the study of a variety of scenes to assist with
character creation. Working closely with the singing
department, the understanding of the dramatic content
of songs is brought into sharp focus to maintain a
consistent character within a performance.
The third year at MDDC focuses on the achievement ofthe fullest professional standard possible in all aspectsof dance, singing and musical theatre.
A clean, instinctive, and vital performance is expected ofall students; as is the ability to express an innate creativeintelligence and musicality through choreography andprofessional performance. The student must be able toshow developed characterisation and a stronger senseof individuality to an audience.
By the end of the second term, one-to-one and smallgroup singing lessons become more focused andintense to achieve a professional vocal portfolio forforthcoming auditions. Audition work is also carried outin drama classes along with the study of different typesof theatre environments and departments. LAMDA GoldMedal examinations are taken and if a student is fullyapplied to study they can also achieve DDI and DDEQualifications in their chosen dance genres.
In order to graduate students must achieve:ISTD Advanced II in Classical Ballet, Tap or ModernTheatre and LAMDA Gold in Musical Theatre andLAMDA Gold in Acting
Full-Time 3 Year Diploma Musical TheatreYEAR THREEMDDCProfessional - Enhancing creativity through practice, dance classes and examinations in preparation for professional performances.
The final performance at the end of the year is acelebration as graduates get ready to embark on theirprofessional performance career. It also serves as aShowcase for agents, directors and choreographers.MDDCGraduates have gone on to successful careers inprofessional performance on stage, television and filmaround the world.
Keep up-to-date with MDDCGraduatesby visiting the website.
MDDC
Musical T
heatre
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Work Experience
We know the value of experience. It informs ourdirection, it helps us to make better decisions and it
increases our understanding of the world around us.Work experience placements are available for school
pupils who want to delve deeper into a dance orperformance career. Any pupils who want to gain a work
experience placement at MDDC must have studied ballet.Contact MDDC for more information and to reserve your
work experience placement.
Accredited Prior Learning
Current ISTD dance teachers with Associate level in anydance genre can supplement their existing qualifications and
bring them into line with ISTD DDE examinations. IndividualMaster Classes are available with Miss Owen and Miss James to
increase the speed of your learning and ensure the higheststandards are achieved. Contact MDDC for more information
and to reserve your private DDE lessons.
ISTD Examination Centre
MDDC is the Liverpool Centre for ISTD Dance Examinations.Applications are welcome for all dance genres. Entries for examination
sessions must be made at least eight weeks in advance. All entries willbe accommodated in the first available examination session. Pianist and
tape operator fees are payable with the examination fee. Contact MDDCfor more information about entry to the Liverpool Centre examination
sessions.
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Stay Connected...Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre also offers childrensand adults dance classes in our Birkenhead and Liverpoolstudios.
Get connected at:www.mddcdance.co.ukHome of MDDC on the web - register now for regular updates
www.facebook.comAre you a friend of MDDCDance?
www.mddcdance.comKeep up-to-date with college life on the MDDCBlog
www.twitter.com/MDDCDanceFollow us on Twitter and widen your dance network
MDDC
Connected
Merseyside Dance & Drama CentreThe Studios, 13-17 Camden Street, Liverpool L3 8JR.
Tel: 0151 207 6197Email: info@mddcdance.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @MDDCDanceGaynor Owen ARAD, Examiner, FISTD (MF & IBF),AISTD (BF)
Debbie James Examiner, FISTD (MF & TF), LISTD (IBF)
Jane Baylis BSc, LISTD (IBF),AISTD (MF & NF), RAD (TC)
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