OUR ACADEMY
Arts Vocational Academy is a part-time Performing Arts School specialising in Dance, Drama, Performance and Musical Theatre. Classes include: Jazz/Commercial/Ballet/Lyrical/Contemporary/Acrobatics/Tap/Drama/Musical Theatre/Specialist Workshops
Established for over 50 years, our experienced team of industry professional Dancers, Choreographers, Actors and Vocal Coaches ensure students achieve results to be proud of and to feel part of a healthy and successful team. A.V.A has an exceptional reputation within the industry for our credibility as performers and for our professional attitude. Our inclusive, supportive and family friendly atmosphere encourages students whatever their desire...Train for CONFIDENCE, FUN, FITNESS, or a PROFESSIONAL CAREER There is something for everyone. We prepare our students to enter into further arts based college education, teaching, move straight into the industry or into whatever path they choose with confidence in themselves...all whilst making many happy memories and new friends
From Pre-Preparatory through to Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management our Gal/Ofqual regulated examinations also support UCAS points with examination boards: BTDA (British Theatre Dance Association) / RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) / LAMDA (London Academy of Dramatic Art) / Trinity College London
Our teachers and chaperones are fully certified with Enhanced DBS
100% Exam pass success
National and International Competitions- Students are able to feature in solo/duet/troupe performances
Regular performances take place at: Disneyland Paris, Royal Albert Hall, 02 London, His Majesty's Theatre West End London, Sadler's Wells Theatre London, NEC Birmingham and the Birmingham Hippodrome
Our performers appear in productions for: Crossroads Pantomimes, Royal Caribbean, Discovery Cruises, World's Biggest Pantomime Productions, West End Runs, National & International Tours
Regular 'GUEST and CELEBRITY WORKSHOPS' with industry professionals
ALAN HARDING is a Patron of the school - A leading choreographer with credits including: The Royal Variety Performance, Tonight at the London Palladium, Strictly, Cunard Cruises
Scholarships - Over the years students have gained thousands of pounds to support their training
Our students gain entry to full time performing arts colleges
Many students secure professional Theatre/TV/Film/Commercial - We have direct links to reputable established agents
Fundraising events raise proceeds that are re-invested back into the school, to help all students be able to 'experience & achieve without being held back by finances
Thousands of students have graduated with happy memories and lifelong friendships to treasure
A.V.A is a family business founded by Miss Joyce Hart where it originally began as Birmingham Stage School. Miss Hart, developed the school after a career as a dancer herself and what started out in a small studio with a handful of children has flourished into a renowned pillar of the arts community, with thousands of alumni students.
Her daughter Cherry and granddaughter Melanie are now Principals and have also both experienced full time professional dance/performing arts careers in both stage and television
Our promise
At A.V.A, EVERYONE matters. We promise to provide a structured, healthy, nurturing and secure environment where happiness is paramount. Students are seen, valued, cared for and encouraged to develop as creative individuals
Innovation, Inspiration and Attainment is guaranteed for every student as part of the A.V.A family, whether they attend just for fun or to train for college education and/or a professional career
We always deliver the positive attributes that ensure our students develop valuable, transferable social and developmental skills such as personal confidence, strength of conviction, independence, discipline, self and mutual respect, team building, freedom of expression, creative confidence, health and fitness, personal organisation – preparing them for the wider world
As an organisation, we are always transparent - We encourage parent communication
A.V.A has a stringent 'Child Protection Policy' and our staff are Enhanced DBS certified
Well being is embedded in our ethos - We aim to support our students with a healthy approach towards their mental health and personal development
We operate a zero tolerance stance on bullying and intolerance with immediate consequence. The experience of being at A.V.A is enjoyable for all!
Faculty
Visiting workshops have included:
Alumni
“Having trained with A.V.A, I successfully gained a place at LSC (London Studio Centre) which was a huge opportunity. I can definitely claim that all my confidence came from being at A.V.A and I will be forever grateful! I was also fortunate to be able to book my first job just months after graduating, which was ‘Romeo and Julia - Liebe ist Alles’ in Berlin which was such an incredible experience, I had the best time!”
“Beth started here aged 6 and has had so many amazing opportunities - from performing in 6 Birmingham Hippodrome Pantomimes, 3 Royal Albert Hall Performances and Disneyland Paris to name but a few! With each year, Beth has grown with confidence and ability and decided that dance is something she wanted for her career. Mel has supported her every step of the way, including successfully auditioning for BOA & Dancebox Theatreworks. We can’t thank Mel & Cherry enough for the support they have given Beth over the years”
“We can’t thank A.V.A enough for everything they have done for our Ava. She has been dancing with them since she was 3and is now 14! Thanks to all her experience and grades she has achieved there, she has now secured herself a place at BOA Performing Arts Academy! We’re so proud of her, thank you so much A.V.A!”