Ruthie Henshall to launch new drama school
The first intake of students will be next year
Last updated 16th Nov 2022
Ruthie Henshall has announced that she is launching a new drama school opening in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk.
CAST will have 25 students a year and offer and prepare them for the industry with a Diploma in Musical Theatre.
The school is set to equip students for an industry that is always changing and is backed by industry greats including composer Claude-Michel Schönberg and choreographer Stephen Mear alongside some of theatre's rising stars.
Alongside the core performance skills of singing, acting and dancing, the course will offer students opportunities to develop additional life skills to ensure that they are fully equipped for a lasting and versatile career in the entertainment industry.
Ruthie said: "The world is changing, as is the industry. A large part of our training at CAST is about staying relevant within a business that continues to shift daily. I am lucky enough to have been able to call on an illustrious panel of rising stars and musical theatre legends to develop a course and ethos that best serves our students as they start their journeys in this new world.
"Our ‘icons’ will remain at the heart of what we do – whether this is offering their invaluable personal experiences to inform our curriculum or teaching regular workshops and taking Q&A’s – making them part of our extended faculty."
Ruthie Henshall is an Olivier Award-winning performer whose credits include Miss Saigon, She Loves Me, Chicago, Billy Elliot and Passion. She is also presenter here on Magic at the Musicals with her shows 'Behind the Stage Door' and 'In the Spotlight' broadcasting weekend mornings from 10am.
The school has been developed by Ruthie and her business partner Paul Schofield with Educator Gary Willis leading the in-house academic staff.
Each year the students will get to perform in a professional venue each year with the third year performance taking place in a London venue.
The first intake will be in September 2023. Further information about the new school can be found on CAST's website
Take a look at the Magic at the Musicals schedule:
Alex Baker
Weekdays 9am - 1pm
Alex Baker brings you the best of musicals from Broadway to the West End to kick off your weekday with style, Monday to Friday.
Lucy Ford
Weekdays 2pm - 6pm
Lucy Ford sees you through the afternoon with the biggest and best musical tracks, Monday to Friday.
Lucie Jones
On Stage: Saturdays 11am - 1pm
Join West End star Lucie Jones as she shares some of her favourite songs from the world of musical theatre! you can also expect her to chat about her work in the world of musical theatre - include her current role as Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked - and sometimes some of her stagey friends may stop by!
Ruthie Henshall
In the Spotlight: Sundays 10am - 12pm
Join Ruthie Henshall as she shines a spotlight on some of her favourite musicals and musical stars.
Dan Morrissey
The Saturday Matinee: Saturdays 1pm - 3pm
Lie in: Sundays 8am - 10am
Join Dan Morrissey, as he takes you through what's opening in the wonderful world of theatre.
Hannah Cox: Weekends 5pm - 7pm
Musicals Afternoons: Weekends 3pm - 5pm
It's the weekend, and Hannah Cox is here with some classic musical songs from Broadway to The West End to see you through your afternoon.
Jim Davis: Weekends 12pm - 3pm
Magic at the Musicals Anthems: Saturdays 5pm - 7pm
Musicals Afternoons: Sundays 12pm - 3pm
Jim Davis brings you the biggest and best musical tracks for your weekend.
Artist in Residence
Saturdays 7pm - 8pm
In this show we hand over the mic to stars of the West End as they play some of their favourite songs, and tell us stories from their careers.
Previous artists in residence include Carrie Hope Fletcher, Ore Oduba and Gabrielle Brooks.
Read more:
Watch full length trailer for the Matilda movie musical