10 year anniversary show for top performers at Arts1 raises the roof at The Venue, Milton Keynes.
A cast of 350 young people and adults from MK and beyond helped Milton Keynes based musical theatre school Arts 1 celebrate its 10th birthday with a spectacular gala show at The Venue at Walnut Tree at the weekend (April 30th/May 1st). With three shows on Saturday and Sunday, around 1000 people saw a performance that showcased the broad section of skills taught at Arts1, involving many of the children and full-time Sixth Form students as well as the adult choir and performers receiving one to one training, with cast ages ranging from 7 to 70+ years of age
With a mix of song and dance from shows together with music from well known films, interspersed with short acting sets, the show titled ‘Reimagined’ transitioned from underwater ballet through many different scenes mixing the familiar with the unfamiliar demonstrating the individual skills of the performers all designed to bring the best out of the students.
“The key to our success is ten years of dedication, our staff team is both diverse and incredibly experienced and the quality of the training is a reflection of our brilliant team. Prospective students for our full-time our part time courses and classes should look at the incredible talent at Arts1 as that really does speak for itself. There are no quick wins in training.”
– Creative Director James Grimsey
Arts1 was founded in 2006 in a school room in Newport Pagnell with the goal of inspiring young people in the Milton Keynes area to achieve their potential in performance through a combination of inspiring teachers and industry mentors. Led by husband and wife team, Mountview trained Principal Rebecca Carrington and internationally recognised Estill voice coach James Grimsey, the team combine their experience working in leading institutions and drama schools with a vision for excellence.
From its beginnings in 2006 with 32 students in its first year, the school grew to three venues in Newport Pagnell, Woburn Sands and Northampton before entering a new phase, consolidating itself in dedicated permanent buildings in Linford Wood with purpose built studios and audition rooms in 2012.
Preparations then commenced establishing a full-time course for post-16 students which began in September 2015. Arts1 also teaches a range of 1-to-1 sessions, students travel from as far afield as Birmingham and London to be taught by the top vocal team led by Creative Director and vocal guru – James Grimsey. Principal Rebecca’s day these days involves more planning and strategy the benefit of which can be seen in the schools rapid expansion and position as the leading performing arts provision in the area. Through Arts 1 Management Rebecca has also been able to highlight rising talent in the area some of whom have now featured in award-winning films, TV productions and Commercials as well as producing more than 15 large scale performances.
Rebecca and James are now putting in place a strategy for further growth over the next 10 years. They have just finished the re-brand of the school and are looking to the future, take a look at their exciting new look – arts1.co.uk.
For further Info contact James Grimsey – 01908 604 756 – james@arts1.co.uk.
