Jazzart UK is a renowned performing arts theatre and dance company located in Motherwell, Lanarkshire. With over 80 years of history, Jazzart is proud to be one of the few unique and independent colleges of performing arts outside of London. The theatre offers classes in Musical Theatre, Drama, and Dance, and has been an accredited SQA centre of excellence since 2011, boasting a 100% pass rate.
Director Sheridan Nicol, continuing in her mother's footsteps, believes that performing arts training should be accessible to everyone. At Jazzart, all students are encouraged to be visionary in their approach to performance and fear nothing. The theatre aims to provide expert tuition and pathways into the industry through its extensive network and career advice. The permanent teaching staff, along with guest tutors from both international and UK backgrounds, bring a wealth of experience and insight into the world of performing arts.
Jazzart also works closely with consultants and agents to ensure that educational, technical, and creative development is attained at the highest level.
Jazzart has a rich history, with a variety of notable achievements. In 2023, HND students performed the launch catwalk event of the Mary Quant Exhibition at Kelvingrove Museum and are currently auditioning for The OVO, Glasgow Panto Peter Pan and Motherwell Theatre and Concert Hall Jack and the Beanstalk. In 2022, in-person shows and pantomimes returned with performances of Elf at The OVO, Glasgow, and Schools outreach Peter Pantoland. However, the school also faced challenges, with the closure of its doors for the first time in history due to COVID-19 in 2020.
Despite this, Jazzart adapted and began offering online tuition, even producing its first digital PANTO Cinderella.
Over the years, Jazzart has established itself as a leader in the industry. In 1994, the theatre rebranded from The Scottish School of Musical Theatre to Jazzart UK and became a charitable foundation. It was also during this time that the theatre expanded and opened a base in Edinburgh, thanks to funding from Creative Scotland. In 2011, Jazzart expanded its offerings by adding full-time vocational courses in Musical Theatre and Professional Dance Performance at the Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.
The theatre also became Scotland's first Independent Scottish Qualification Awards centre of Performing Arts in 2004.
Jazzart's origins trace back to the establishment of 'The Clark Theatre School' in Lanarkshire in 1944 by founder Bette Clark. Bette Clark, a UK Champion of Champion, later performed in Radio City New York in 1937. Throughout the years, Jazzart and its talented students and graduates have made their mark in the industry, working on TV, stage, cruise liners, and theme parks, producing some of tomorrow's best talent.
At Jazzart UK, the vision is clear – to provide exceptional performing arts education and training to aspiring artists and to create a nurturing environment where individuals can flourish and develop their talents to the fullest. With its rich history, commitment to excellence, and dedication to accessibility, Jazzart UK continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of performing arts.