Royal Academy of Dance expands global training programme with new musical theatre syllabus

• The RAD launches its new Musical Theatre syllabus – a structured training pathway that aims to set new standards of excellence in the industry
• To meet industry demand, the RAD has created an equally weighted ‘triple threat’ syllabus
• Incorporating Musical Theatre choreography from Olivier and Tony award winners including Warren Carlyle, Susan Stroman, Matt Cole and Stephen Mear CBE
• Syllabus rooted in key practical skills that address industry standards of today.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) has launched its new Musical Theatre syllabus, establishing a new and structured training pathway up to Grade 8 that aims to set a new benchmark for excellence within Musical Theatre education.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is introducing its new Musical Theatre syllabus, marking a significant development in its programme of qualifications.

Drawing on its 100-year global legacy of teaching excellence, the syllabus has been developed in consultation with Musical Theatre specialists, industry professionals and RAD teachers, ensuring it reflects current practice and the evolving needs of students.

This new syllabus provides a structured and progressive framework for the study of Musical Theatre, accessible through the RAD’s global network of registered teachers. The graded examinations are OFQUAL regulated and, with UCAS tariff points available at Grades 6–8, it offers students a recognised pathway that can support progression into further and higher education, as well as vocational training.

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

1. Equally Balanced ‘Triple Threat’ syllabus
   The syllabus places equal weighting on all three core Musical Theatre disciplines – singing, acting and dance – reflecting the industry’s growing demand for multi-skilled ‘triple threat’ performers. From primary grades to Grade 8, the same standard of technical rigour and structure is applied across all three disciplines. This balanced approach levels the playing field for students from diverse training backgrounds, providing an accessible, structured pathway into the industry, while equipping future auditionees with the technical grounding, confidence and versatility required by today’s industry demands.
2. Choreography from award-winning choreographers
   The syllabus will include choreography by 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.
3. Shaped by industry practice, designed for the real world
   Alongside core training in acting, singing and dance, the syllabus develops students’ understanding of Musical Theatre as both an art form and a profession.

From early grades, students engage in project-based learning to build confidence, performance literacy and an understanding of context, storytelling and stagecraft. In later grades, students learn how to analyse character, reflect on their practice and communicate ideas clearly with appropriate terminology.

Discussion with examiners takes place throughout the grades, progressively developing students’ communication, critical reflection and presentation skills at every stage. At higher levels, assessment becomes increasingly aligned with professional industry practice, with students developing professional portfolios for auditions, and completing a self-tape audition at Grade 8 - a contemporary industry requirement rarely integrated within formal examinations.

Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director, The Royal Academy of Dance says “Our goal is for this syllabus to be welcomed as a major step forward in Musical Theatre education by students, teachers, theatre and performing arts schools alike. The framework we have created meets the needs of this evolving sector by training versatile students skilled across dance, acting and singing, and equipping them for the industry of today.

Throughout the syllabus, we’ve included a deep knowledge and appreciation of Musical Theatre. It is my personal belief that performers are stronger and more effective if they are rooted in the history of the art form they are performing and therefore represent.

The creation of this new syllabus marks the start of new chapter in the RAD’s history as it broadens its global training offer beyond ballet to include well-rounded, relevant and exciting performing arts education which is accessible to all.”

Tony and Olivier Award winning director and choreographer, Susan Stroman says "I am thrilled to collaborate with the Royal Academy of Dance as they launch their new Musical Theatre syllabus. By bringing choreography created by Broadway and West End professionals into the training, we’re putting dance on equal footing with dialogue and song. I am honoured to share my work with the RAD’s global community, and I hope students and teachers have a fabulous time bringing my choreography to life in their studios."

Warren Carlyle, British Tony Award winning director and choreographer says “It will be a privilege to share my choreography with young performers from across the world. It is vital, I feel, within our industry that we, as a whole, deliver training which is long lasting, and, for me, it was fantastic to see that the Royal Academy of Dance’s new syllabus has been carefully designed to connect young performers with the Musical Theatre industry.

This is incredibly important to me, and I really hope that learning this choreography is a chance for students to develop essential performance skills whilst expanding their understanding. It should challenge them creatively, expand their own practice and help them grow, and I want to be at the heart of reminding them that Musical Theatre is also about connection and the sheer joy of performing. I cannot wait to see what is next for those on the course.”

Matt Cole, Olivier Award winning choreographer and Principal of Laine Theatre Arts says “The new RAD Musical Theatre syllabus will provide all-important benchmarks and structured progression for students of all ages. It will help prepare students for professional training, overcome challenges and improve their confidence, to enhance their overall performance skills. Crucially however, the syllabus has the potential to level the playing field in the Musical Theatre industry. More broadly, the syllabus will help recognise and formalise Musical Theatre as a its own discipline that contributes significantly to the UK's cultural and economic landscape.

Stephen Mear CBE, Olivier Award winning choreographer says "I am absolutely thrilled that my choreography will be featured in the RAD’s new Musical Theatre syllabus. The RAD has crafted a truly unique program that I believe will inspire young performers. Dance possesses a remarkable ability to convey narrative and express character, and I am excited to share my repertoire to help students explore these vital elements. I hope it ignites their passion for dance and enhances their performance skills, as this craft means so much to me."

Teachers interested in teaching the new Musical Theatre syllabus should visit the Royal Academy of Dance’s website to learn more: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/teach-with-the-rad/teach-musical-theatre/

Teacher training courses are available via the RAD in July 2026 (London, UK), October 2026 (Manchester) and January 2027 (Birmingham).

International training will be available in Canada (July 2026) and Australia (October 2026).

Musical Theatre classes and examinations will be available to book from September 2026.