GJSTPA Courses

Main Performing Arts and Integrated Creative Training

At the Godfrey Johnson School of Theatre & Performing Arts, our programmes are designed to develop confident, industry-ready performers, creators and arts practitioners through a strong balance of theory, practice and performance.

Main Performing Arts

Drama

Overview

Our drama programme gives aspiring actors thorough theoretical, practical, technical and performance training for theatre, film and television. It develops versatile, well-rounded performers, writers and practitioners ready for the creative industries.

Course Focus

History of theatre
Acting, voice, movement and physical theatre
Improvisation
Acting for theatre, film, TV, adverts and radio
Audition technique for all platforms
Scene and monologue work using published and original texts
Devising and writing for theatre and film
Balanced theory and practical curriculum

Main Performing Arts

Dance

Overview

Our dance programme is practical and theory-based, sharpening technique and preparing students for work in the entertainment industry. We train dancers to be adaptable and confident across many styles.

Course Focus

History of dance
Styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, African, afro-fusion, hip hop and performance art
Choreography studies
Performance technique
Portfolio development
Balanced theory and practical curriculum

Main Performing Arts

Music

Overview

Our music programme combines practical and theoretical training for young musicians. It covers vocal and instrumental work, composition and ensemble skills so students can create original music and enter the industry with confidence.

Course Focus

History of music
Music theory
Vocal and instrumental training
Various musical styles
Composition and ensemble work
Balanced theory and practical curriculum

Combined Compulsory Courses

Integrated Training for Well-Rounded Performers and Creators

In addition to their main discipline, students complete a set of compulsory combined courses that strengthen their artistic, cultural, technical and entrepreneurial development.

Musical Theatre African Music Studies Film Production Business and Business in the Arts

Combined Compulsory Course

Musical Theatre

Overview

This course brings together drama, dance and music so students become triple-threat performers. Each year we encourage students to create original musicals by writing, composing and performing original work for assessment and public performances. Classes are practical and theoretical and include professional event preparation for private and corporate performances.

Course Focus

History of musical theatre
Study of musical theatre genres and styles
Writing, choreographing and composing songs and scripts
Performance technique
Integrated dance, drama and music training
Balanced theory and practical curriculum

Combined Compulsory Course

African Music Studies

Overview

This course explores the rich cultural diversity of the African continent, covering indigenous instruments, musical traditions and styles through both practical and theoretical study.

Course Focus

Study of African musical traditions and instruments
Practical performance and ensemble work
Theory and cultural context
Balanced theory and practical curriculum

Combined Compulsory Course

Film Production

Overview

Students learn to tell stories through the camera, gaining the skills to enter the film industry as confident, self-reliant creators. The course is project-based and gives hands-on experience with industry professionals from similar backgrounds who inspire and mentor students.

Course Includes

History of film
Set etiquette
Basic camera and lighting work
Script writing
Editing and producing
Creation of original short films using phones and professional equipment for public screenings and festival submission

Combined Compulsory Course

Business and Business in the Arts

Overview

This course combines practical skills workshops and classroom learning led by guest lecturers and industry professionals. It equips students to think and act like entrepreneurs, whether they are building a sustainable career as performers or starting businesses in a range of industries.

Focus Areas

Business fundamentals and starting a business
Understanding the creative industries
Budgets, contracts, copyrights, marketing and PR
Funding proposals and business plans
Producing work for theatre and film
Writing business proposals and pitches
Strategic planning and job opportunities