The Royal Academy of Dance is expanding its training beyond ballet with the introduction of a new musical-theater syllabus to meet the industry demand for versatile, multiskilled artists equipped for today’s performing careers.
Developed in collaboration with musical theater educators, industry professionals, and RAD teachers, the program emphasizes practical, career-relevant training and positions itself as an evenly balanced triple-threat curriculum honing skills in singing, acting, and dance. The syllabus also features original choreography by award-winning creatives such as Susan Stroman, Warren Carlyle, Matt Cole, and Stephen Mear, CBE.
Alongside technical training, the curriculum aims to develop students’ understanding of musical theater as an art form and a profession. In earlier grades, students develop skills in storytelling, stagecraft, and performance through project-based learning, while higher grades emphasize character analysis, professional communication, audition portfolios, and, in Grade 8, a self-tape audition.
“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,” said Alexander Campbell, artistic director of RAD, in a recent press statement. “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.”
Graded examinations are regulated by OFQUAL, the UK body that oversees qualifications, examinations, and assessments, and students completing Grades 6–8 will also be eligible for UCAS tariff points, offering a bridge into higher education and vocational training programs in the UK.
Teacher training courses for the syllabus will begin in July 2026 in London, followed by additional sessions in Manchester (October 2026) and Birmingham (January 2027). International training opportunities are also planned in Canada (July 2026) and Australia (October 2026).
Musical theater classes and examinations will open for booking in September 2026. Teachers can learn more through the Royal Academy of Dance website.
