Bridgnorth
Musical Theatre
Summer School 2025
Acting through song, vocal technique, conducting and playing your instrument for theatre - this specialised music summer school will be led by international conductor and Music Supervisor Alfonso Casado Trigo (Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Old Friends, Miss Saigon). He returns to Bridgnorth 8 years after a beautiful charity concert that took place in aid of young Rupert which brought the community together in an event that still resonates in the memory of the town.
For one week, young actors and musicians will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned West End directors, musicians and performers leading up to a big concert in which they will share the stage with industry professionals in an event that will bring the best of musical theatre to Bridgnorth.
If you are a young musician (any instrument), conductor or actor who would like to perfect your technique and be part of this unique week - get in touch!
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE
Whether you are an amateur actor or musician, or you have some previous experience in professional theatre, this course is designed to develop your skills and give you a sense of what it is like to work in Musical Theatre at the highest level.
The course will finish with a gala performance in which all students will be sharing the stage with West End professionals. A big celebration of Musical Theatre in Bridgnorth!
WHO IS THIS COURSE AIMED AT?
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Young actors - with or without previous experience in musical theatre.
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Young musicians - regardless of your musical background, you will need to read music to be part of the course.
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Students who would like to observe - people of any age who would like to come along, observe and learn!
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Choir - we will have a number of spaces for our choir which will also be part of the gala.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT? HOW CAN I SECURE MY PLACE?
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There is no age limit to attend the course but as a guide, this course is intended for young actors and musicians (ages 11-18). No age limit if you want to be part of the Choir.
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To secure a place, you will have to send an audition video to us. You will then be notified if you have a place and will receive further instructions about how to pay for the course.
AUDITION PROCEDURE
We would like to receive a video of you performing a song, or piece, of your choice, including an introduction explaining who you are and why you want to be part of the course.
Once our teachers review all submissions we will let you know if you can attend as an active student or observing student, or if you wish, be part of the choir.
NOTE: If you are planning to attend this course just to observe the lessons, you will not have to send an audition video.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Actors:
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Acting through song: You will work on the songs you will perform on the final gala night. Exploring with our teachers all aspects of dramatic delivery and connection with music.
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Vocal technique: Develop your technique with our vocal coaches and tackle any individual challenges you may encounter when singing. Looking at breath, support, tone and style.
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Repertoire: Based on your vocal range and aptitudes, we will help source and prepare appropriate songs that you can build into your repertoire, getting you ready for your next performance or audition.
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Audition technique: Giving you the tools and confidence to face your next audition with security and control. We will be working on all aspects of what it means to audition for a school or show.
Choir:
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If you secure a spot as a member of the Choir, you will rehearse with our teachers the songs for the gala performance. You will receive the music, lyrics, and vocal guides ahead of time so when we meet in the room you are ready to go. We will then work on detail, dynamic and precision!
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You will perform on the day alongside our orchestra, acting students and professionals.
Musicians:
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You will work with our teachers on technique specific to your instrument, focused on the style of Musical Theatre - there are aspects of playing in musical theatre that differ from what you may be used to when you play your regular repertoire.
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Working in the ensemble - we will do ensemble classes exploring different genres of musical theatre - playing in a show demands being proficient in many styles and we will give you a flavour of what’s like playing shows from composers like Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim to more recent shows like Mamma Mia! or Dear Evan Hansen
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If you are an aspiring conductor, you will work on technique for “piano conducting” as well as baton conducting
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If you play piano, you will take part in accompanying the actors during the classes too
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You will be part of the orchestra in our gala performance
DATES
When: 28th of July to 2nd of August 2025
Place: Bridgnorth and surrounding areas
TIMETABLE
Active actor students and musician students - 5 days starting Monday + Gala Night on Saturday
Monday to Friday 10-17.
Saturday all day (Rehearsal, sound check and performance)
(There will be time allocated during the week to practice in our practice rooms)
Choir: 2 days starting Thursday + Gala Night on Saturday
Rehearsals in the afternoon on Thursday and Friday
Saturday all day (Rehearsal, sound check and performance)
Observing students: 5 days + gala night (ticket) on Saturday
PRICE
Active actor students: £650
Active musician student: £650
Choir members: £150
Observing students: £250
Our
Story
Alfonso in Lucena, 1997, during his first Summer School
"Growing up surrounded by teachers and fellow students who inspired me was one of the reasons why I became the professional I am today
Originally from a little town near Seville, I remember attending Summer Music Schools in Andalucía, where I would interact with other musicians of similar age and learn and share music and life experiences
Young students from all around Spain would travel to this little town in Córdoba called Lucena where we would learn from teachers from Madrid, Barcelona, even from the US!
At the end of the course, a big festival took place, where students and renowned artists would share the stage and enjoy the music together
I recently moved to Bridgnorth with my wife, Jessie Hart, also a performer in Musical Theatre, and we both have this vision of bringing to Bridgnorth the same experience we got growing up as music and theatre students and sharing our passion and knowledge of theatre with young aspiring actors and musicians"
Alfonso Casado, course director
Faculty
ABOUT US
Alfonso CASADO and Jessie HART are at the core of CASADO HART - together they bring over 20 years of experience in Musical Theatre all around the world and are at the centre of Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Summer School
"Where words fail, music speaks"