Now in its 11th year, the Musical Theatre School (formerly called BAPA) trains professional musical theatre performers. Most of its students find work before or very shortly after finishing their 3-year intensive training. Alongside their teaching commitments, the staff work with nationally and internationally recognised companies and bring a contemporary understanding of the profession to their work with students.
The Academy is situated in the centre of the peaceful market town of Shepton Mallet and students of MTS are lucky enough to have access to the Academy Theatre’s own commercial theatre in which they perform at least 3 public shows a year.
MTS aims to provide a safe but challenging environment in which the student can grow, take risks, learn from mistakes and develop a self-confidence and sense of purpose that will underpin a professional career.
In today’s world it is not enough to be good at just one discipline – you need to be able to sing, dance and act at a professional level – it’s called being a TRIPLE THREAT PERFORMER. The MTS training integrates these practical skills with essential background knowledge of the arts.
Although the course specialise in musical theatre students work and train in all style of music and a select group of MTS students, The Academy Singers, are available for entertainment at functions.
"I've watched BAPA grow into a centre of music theatre training
with a real sense of what it takes in the professional theatre." Mary Hammond
"I have been very impressed by the high standard of the students at BAPA
and the cosy camaraderie of everyone working towards the same goal." Rosemary Ashe (The Killer Soprano) Les Miserables, The Witches of Eastwick, Mary Poppins
