The RAD announces first generation of CPD tutors for its new Musical Theatre syllabus

Today, the Royal Academy of Dance announces the first wave of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Tutors for its brand-new Musical Theatre syllabus.

This cohort of dance educators has successfully completed specialised training, equipping them to roll out the highly anticipated syllabus to RAD teachers and dance professionals in the UK.

The cohort is comprised of a diverse range of professionals from across the UK who come from a variety of career backgrounds. As well as dance and theatre teaching, many of the educators come from performance backgrounds in the West End including shows such as The Lion King.

The RAD welcomed these professionals to its headquarters last month. They came together to not only learn the syllabus but further their own careers in the dance and theatre fields. This training represents the RAD’s commitment to dance teaching and training excellence, as well as opening new career pathways for professionals working across the dance, theatre and musical theatre industries.

The syllabus marries exceptional technical dance training with singing and acting, with the aim to nurture versatile, “triple-threat” performers for today’s stage.

The newly certified CPD Tutors will deliver RAD Musical Theatre syllabus training to ensure RAD registered teachers deliver this syllabus to the highest standard of excellence. This was the first training of its kind for the RAD, with future training available in the UK, Canada and Australia. Further locations are being added to meet the demand for this new syllabus.

The new Musical Theatre syllabus differs to existing training in three key ways:  

• Equally Balanced ‘Triple Threat’ syllabus with training across singing, dancing and acting.
• Choreography from award-winning choreographers including Tony and Olivier Award winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman, British Tony Award winning director and choreographer Warren Carlyle and Olivier Award winning choreographers Matt Cole and Stephen Mear CBE.  
• Shaped by industry practice and designed for the real world, the syllabus develops students’ understanding and appreciation of Musical Theatre as both an art form and a profession.  

Alex Lowe, Deputy Artistic Director of the RAD said: “There was an electric sense of shared passion and excellence in the room. Bringing together such outstanding professionals ensures our Musical Theatre syllabus is delivered with authenticity and innovation. We’re excited for teachers to gain new strategies to inspire students and elevate their skills.”