Musical Theatre HND

Course overview

Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic performing arts departments. At PASS, creativity meets opportunity in a vibrant, professional environment designed to help you thrive.

Our state-of-the-art facilities include the impressive PASS Studio Theatre, eight purpose-built dance and rehearsal studios, specialist classrooms, and a cutting-edge Learning Resource Centre and Library – everything you need to bring your artistic vision to life.

At PASS, we offer training across six exciting disciplines:

• Acting
• Dance
• Musical Theatre
• Costume for Stage and Screen
• Make-Up Artistry
• Technical Theatre

What makes us unique? The opportunity to work in real-world, industry-inspired projects – just like in professional productions. You’ll work alongside peers from different specialisms, gaining hands-on experience and building a network that mirrors the creative industries.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh – the world’s Festival City – PASS has strong connections with leading theatres, companies, and creatives. These partnerships open doors to exciting performance opportunities, innovative projects, and invaluable industry insight.

Our Musical Theatre course is designed to help you reach your full performing potential. This multi-faceted course will test your skills in acting, singing and dancing with a view to progressing to a career in the exciting industry of musical theatre. 

You will gain essential experience through a combination of practical and theoretical studies, which include a range of acting techniques, vocal training using Estill and other practices, jazz, tap dance, musical theatre repertoire, and production. Opportunities to visit theatres and take part in industry-led workshops will be available through PASS industry connections. As part of this course, you will participate in exciting projects and musical theatre productions.

This course also offers exciting opportunities for collaboration with other students at Edinburgh College, including dance and acting students, make-up artists, costume designers and technical theatre designers. You will have an opportunity to engage with PASS Graduates who are working professionals at our PASS It On sessions throughout the year. 

Additional Opportunities at PASS

Performance Opportunities – We collaborate with the wider college to provide entertainment for large-scale events, projects, and performances that mirror professional practices and enhance the student experience.  Previous performance opportunities;

• Royal Yacht Britannia
• College Development Network Awards Ceremony
• The National Portrait Gallery
• Schools tour in Edinburgh, Lothians, and Fife
• New York Tartan Week. 

Large-scale Musicals- In-house productions in The PASS Theatre and external performance in the central theatre, Edinburgh

Site-Specific Project - Collaboration with HND Dance students in an external venue. Students will work creatively in an external venue, supported by highly trained staff, to create a site-specific performance within 5 days.

Annual New York Trip – Optional trip to NY for 4-5 days, inclusive of master classes at Alvin Ailey, Steps on Broadway, and so much more.  You will also get to see the sights and sounds of New York City and take in shows on Broadway.

Professional Portfolio Session - Head and Action Shots, Showreels

Guest Workshops - We have strong industry links with central Theatre venues that allow us to give our students access to some of the best workshops possible: Examples below;

• Hamilton
• Top Hat
• Kinky Boots
• Cats The Musical
• Calamity Jane

For more information, please follow us on: 

Instagram: @PASS-Musical Theatre

Facebook:  @PASS - Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre and Costume for Stage

Core skills

• Acting
• Practical Singing
• Practical Dance
• Audition and Portfolio
• Performance and Production
• Professional Guest Workshops
• Body Conditioning

Essential Skills:

• Communication - verbally and digitally
• Collaborative skills - working in groups, pairs and with students from other courses
• Working Independently - class tasks, homework, assessments
• Confidence - presentations in groups and independently
• Creativity and Empathy – group and project-based learning and working
• Critical and Creative Thinking – problem solving and innovation
• Initiative and self-motivation – contribution, leadership, responsibility, being proactive

How the course is assessed

• Practical Assignments 
• Collaboration
• Research skills 
• Written Reports, Essays, Portfolios
• Presentations
• Observations
• Evaluation. 

Number of days per week

• 4 days per week.
• Self-directed study is expected, and studios can be provided if available.

Entry requirements

Important Information: Due to the efficient nature of this course, you must be physically able to meet the demands of participating in several hours of dance, singing and acting class each day.

Essential for entry:

• SCQF Level 6 Full Time Course (subject specific)
• Two Highers (subject-specific preferred) and English
• Mature students are welcome to apply and will be granted an interview to discuss entry requirements and APL, which will be offered based on their personal statement and previous experiences.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Please read the following carefully and provide the requested evidence for consideration.

Stage 1: Complete the online application form

Answer the following questions in the personal statement section of your application form. 

• Why do you want to study at PASS in this course?
• What previous experience do you have that will support your application?
• What do you hope you will learn, and where do you hope it will take you?
• What inspires you and why? (Productions, artists, choreographers, etc)
• Can you outline any ongoing injuries or issues that we should be aware of that may hinder your progress should you be offered a place?  (Please note this is a physically demanding course, and you must be able to participate fully to be successful)

Stage 2: Invitation to Audition (2-3 hours) 

Your audition will be in 3 sections to ensure you are allowed to showcase your skill set for this course:

Section 1 - Song

Candidates are required to perform the verse and chorus of a musical theatre song (max. 2 mins). Please ensure you know your song to make the most of your performance. 

Section 2 – Monologue

You will be required to perform an acting monologue lasting 1-2 minutes in length, which should be from a contemporary published play or musical from 1990 onwards. This monologue should be in your own accent. It is advisable to choose something that is suitable for your age and appeals to a varied audience.

We are looking for potential, not perfection, so please do your best. 

Section 3 – Dance Workshop

You will participate in a technique class that incorporates Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz. We recommend wearing dancewear, tying long hair up, and wearing appropriate footwear, as well as removing any jewellery.

Stage 3: Interview

You will be interviewed by two members of the Musical theatre faculty, who will ask you a series of questions to assess your suitability for the course further. 

PRACTICAL AUDITION DATES: Granton Campus

• Tuesday 16 December 2025, 9.30 AM – 12.30 PM
• Wednesday 14 January 2026, 9.30 AM – 12.30 PM
• Further dates will be added as required in 2026

Following your attendance at the audition, a decision will be sent to you within 7-10 working days. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide feedback.

Allocated dates will be given once applications have been completed.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at dance@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

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Progression and Articulation Routes

Our HND offers a progressive, nurturing, and developmental curriculum to hone your skills and advance to further training at the degree level.

We have links and relationships with the following London Theatre schools;

• Laine Theatre Arts
• Italia Conti
• Chichester Conservatoire
• Guildford School of Acting
• METFilm school - Ealing Studios
• Birmingham Royal Conservatoire 
• Mountview

Career options

• Musical Theatre Performer
• Dancer
• Actor
• Singer 
• Teacher
• Performing Artist in commercial theatres, holiday camps, pantomimes, etc