DISTANCE LEARNING: BACHELOR OF ARTS, THEATRE STUDIES DEGREE

Helen Grigal, Founder/Artistic Director and Walter Anderson, Executive Director of The Baltimore Actors' Theatre and Conservatory are pleased to announce an association with Rose Bruford College, United Kingdom, to offer a distance learning Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Studies degree. Begun in the 2006-2007 academic year, the program is ongoing and available.

This new and exciting association will allow The Conservatory's Professional Development students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor's degree through distance learning with weekly seminars to support and enrich their learning experience. The three-year degree is the only one of its kind in the United Kingdom, validated by the University of Manchester. Members of the Rose Bruford faculty have developed the program of studies. Tutors from the college deliver individual courses, providing a learning experience equivalent to a face-to-face session with the tutor. The program is both challenging and convenient since students can do most of the work at home yet have direct contact with their teachers, while meeting in seminars to discuss and exchange ideas which the program generates at the BATC.

This unique program affords those who have an active career in the theatre but have not considered a degree as an option can do so, earning credit for their experience, while gaining necessary academic underpinnings for their practical career. Also, those who love the theatre and have experienced it from the audience perspective can also join this program to enhance their perspective and develop a body of knowledge that will enrich their theatre experience.

Those students who want to develop their theatre performance skills may also consider in tandom the Trinity College London International Examination Program. Students can earn professional credentials in Speech and Drama, Musical Theatre, and Music Study at the diploma level: Associate, Licentiate, Fellowship. All credentials are accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in the United Kingdom and carry college credit. For students who want a balance of performance and academic study in college studies, this is an excellent opportunity, all at an affordable cost. Students who choose this option work with the Baltimore Actors' Theatre in all its performances and gain a performance resume as they earn their various credentials.

Applicants 18 years and older may apply. Those who have college credits and/or have experience are also encouraged to apply. This new program provides an exciting opportunity to acquire a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Studies and/or Professional Diplomas in performance through Trinity College, London.

For information, contact:

Walter Anderson
The Conservatory
Baltimore Actors' Theatre
The Dumbarton House
300 Dumbarton Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
410-337-8519
batpro@baltimoreactorstheatre.org

The Conservatory's Professional Development division was established to provide a professionally intensive three-year college level training program in theatre, music, and dance study. Classes include Music History/Listening, Music Theory, Group Singing, Solfege, Class Piano, Choral Singing, Theatre History (play based), Voice Class, Acting, various workshops in related drama and theatre areas, Ballet, Modern, and workshop programs in Tap, Jazz, and Musical Theatre technique. Some classes are also held in the evening throughout the program. Students are required to take all classes if they wish to earn Trinity College, London. diplomas.

Students may opt to earn diplomas in the following areas: Speech and Drama, Musical Theatre, Voice, and/or Recital. There are three diploma levels: Associate, Licentiate, and Fellowship. Students in the Professional Development program must earn the Associate Diploma (first level Diploma) in Speech and Drama followed by the Licentiate Diploma (second level Diploma) in Speech and Drama. It will take three years to complete both diplomas. If a student wishes to take the Associate Diploma in Musical Theatre, they usually do this in the second year of study. Also, students may elect to take the Voice graded or Diploma levels if they are prepared to do so. This program develops the skills needed in today's complex world of theatre and to prepare the total performer or "triple threat."

The Conservatory is an associated institution of Trinity College, London. both in graded and diploma examinations. Students in the Professional Development Division work towards the Trinity diplomas in Speech and Drama and/or Music. These professional diplomas are recognized in over fifty countries throughout the world, and for those qualified undergraduate students who do not choose to include the academic component of a degree program, the Trinity diplomas are the perfect opportunity to participate in an intensive program of theory, practice, and performance in their chosen field. The Trinity College, London diplomas are accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) of Great Britain and have been placed in their National Qualification Framework at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In the United States, the Trinity diplomas are equivalent to advanced undergraduate and graduate credit. For example, the ATCL is valued at 60 advanced undergraduate credits in the subject of the diploma. In many American conservatories there are those students who wish to pursue their art intensively, which then prepares them for professional careers. The breadth, depth, and rigor of these programs are the same, or in many cases exceed, the performance requirements of a degree program, although entrance requirements are identical. The Professional Development Division and Trinity College, London have associated to provide this unique program for the serious student wishing to pursue his/her art on the professional level. The Professional Development Division provides students 18 years and older an alternative to attending traditional college while still earning an international post-secondary credential..

Students in the Professional Development Division have the unique upportunity to perform with the Baltimore Actors' Theatre in their performance activities at Oregon Ridge. BAT has year-round productions in both children's and adult theatre that allow the Professional Development student the chance to use the skills developed in the program in a professional arena. Rehearsals and performances for these productions are an integral part of the learning process and are expected of the Professional Development student. As well, the Conservatory produces two concerts a year in which all professional Development students participate. Professional Development students have a full resume of their Oregon Ridge activities when they complete the program.

Applicants should arrange an inverview/audition to determine their eligibility. Past experience and training are taken into consideration in acceptance and placement of the qualified applicant. Classes are kept small to afford each student individual attention. The Professional Development Division is a unique opportunity for those who desire professional training and performance culminating in an internationally recognized diploma in Speech and Drama and/or Music from Trinity College, London..

Walter E. Anderson, Ed.D., Headmaster

Email: batpro@baltimoreactorstheatre.org

Baltimore Actors' Theatre
Trinity College, London
The Conservatory