Why Emil Dale UK Associates?

Assembling some of the most talented young people from across the UK to train in all round musical theatre to complement their existing training.

We take singing, as seriously as dance as seriously as acting.

Emil Dale Associates brings together talented young people from across the United Kingdom. People fly in from Ireland, Scotland and other European destinations to train with us.

At Emil Dale, Associates develop into versatile performers through expert tuition, industry-led masterclasses and an equal emphasis on all three disciplines.

Train at our world-class campus in Letchworth Garden City (only 30 minutes from London Kings Cross) and experience the standards, expectations and approach of Emil Dale Academy.

Work with Emil Dale faculty (Emil Dale and Heads of Departments who sit on the audition panel) alongside visiting practitioners from West End shows and television.

Included

Every Associate receives five specialist masterclasses at each session:

• Ensemble Singing – Vocal technique and ensemble performance skills.
• Acting Through Song – Receive one-to-one coaching with a live pianist, focusing on technique, musicality, storytelling, performance and vocal interpretation.
• West End Acting Masterclass – Develop acting skills with leading performers and creatives working in the industry.
• West End Musical Theatre Masterclass – Work with visiting performers, choreographers, directors and creatives.
• Jazz Technique – Build strength, flexibility, control and performance quality through advanced technical dance training.

Why Emil Dale Associates?

• Develop technique across acting, singing and dance through the Emil Dale training method.
• Experience the standards and expectations of vocational musical theatre training.
• Train alongside ambitious young performers from across the UK.
• Build connections with professionals working across the West End, film, television and theatre.
• Gain insight into drama school auditions, further training and professional life.

Junior Associates: Ages 11–14

A dedicated programme developing strong foundations across acting, singing and dance. Junior Associates train in a professional, supportive environment, building confidence, technique and performance skills through specialist tuition and industry masterclasses.

Senior Associates: Ages 15–19

The Senior Associates programme combines specialist audition preparation with continued artistic and technical development.

September – December: Audition Preparation

Prepare for audition season with members of the Emil Dale Academy audition panel. Alongside their core training, Senior Associates develop:

• Monologue preparation.
• Acting audition skills.
• Song preparation.
• Dance audition technique.
• Audition confidence.
• Interview technique.

This focused block helps students approach auditions with confidence, preparation and a clear understanding of what panels expect.

January – July: Professional Development

Following audition season, the focus returns to a masterclass-based programme of technique, artistry and personal development. Working with leading industry professionals, students continue refining their skills and developing their individual identity as performers.

Application & Audition

Entry to Emil Dale Associates is by audition. Applicants may initially be invited to submit a self tape containing:

• A short jazz combination.
• A monologue.
• A 32-bar cut of a musical theatre song.

Successful self tape applicants, and those invited directly through the application process, attend a FREE Emil Dale Associates Experience Day. During the day, applicants train alongside current Associates, experience the programme first-hand and finish by performing a 32-bar song cut for the Associates panel.

What to wear: All black audition attire. Please bring appropriate dance footwear for movement sessions.

Ready to audition?

APPLY NOW

Location

Emil Dale Academy, Letchworth Garden City
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Our studios are approximately 30 minutes by train from London King's Cross and only 20 minutes from Luton Airport.

Fees & Commitment

£60 per session, with a termly commitment. The Junior and Senior programmes follow separate schedules. Please see the full term dates below.

Term Dates 2026/27

Additional Training: Emil Dale Part-Time School

Associates students can also apply to join our separate Part-Time School, which offers five sessions of training each week across acting, singing and dance. Sunday sessions run 2:30pm – 6:00pm.

Both programmes share the same commitment to high standards, with different training objectives. Designed for performers considering drama school, vocational training and professional careers, the Part-Time School supports a range of ambitions, including progression to vocational Part-Time Training.

The Part-Time School is a separate programme and additional fees apply.

FIND OUT MORE

1-to-1 Online Singing Lessons

Associates students can access personalised online singing lessons with experienced West End vocal coaches. Lessons are available Monday – Friday evenings, with a choice of:

• 30-minute weekly lessons.
• 30-minute fortnightly lessons.

Develop vocal technique, prepare audition material and work towards individual goals through dedicated one-to-one tuition.

DBS & First Aid

All teaching staff hold Enhanced DBS certification. A qualified First Aider is present throughout every Associates session.

Part time training. Full time attitude.

Apply for an Audition