West Oxfordshire Academy Of Performing Arts (WOAPA)'s Encore! Class is the perfect opportunity for students aged 16 – 21yrs to further their training in the performing arts. Whether they have aspirations of auditioning at Drama School, joining local amateur or professional productions, working with agents, or preparing for university or job interviews, this class provides a positive and supportive environment for students to build confidence in public speaking and performance, as well as develop their communication skills.
One of the fantastic aspects of the Encore! Class is its small size, which allows the tutors to tailor the content to match each student's individual needs. With regular showcases and performances, students have plenty of opportunities to participate and showcase their talents.
Within the 'Triple-threat' disciplines of Singing, Dance, and Drama, students have the chance to explore and discover their own performing talents, weaknesses, and strengths. They are encouraged to develop their analytical minds, learn how to give critical assessments, and provide and receive constructive feedback. The tutors of the Encore! Team are dedicated to promoting flexibility and teamwork, while also supporting students with strategies to develop resilience, self-discipline, and the stamina needed to succeed.
Organization and time management are crucial skills that the tutors at WOAPA understand are essential for their busy students. Therefore, they provide support in these areas to ensure that students are able to adapt and thrive. In addition, the class focuses on building knowledge of various aspects of the performing arts and informing students about the opportunities available to them, both locally and further afield.
Preparing for auditions and interviews is a significant part of the Encore! Class. Students receive valuable guidance on what and how to prepare, as well as audition/interview etiquette and conduct. Mock auditions and interviews are conducted to provide students with valuable practice opportunities. Additionally, students learn how to create impactful self-tapes and further develop their communication skills to showcase their talents in the best possible way.
Within the three disciplines of Singing, Dance, and Drama, students will experience further development. In the singing component, they will gain confidence in performing in a range of styles and genres, develop vocal techniques, projection, and musicality. They will also have the opportunity to work with microphones, learning important skills such as vibrato, dynamics, and breath control. Singing in parts and harmonies, expressing emotions through song, and acting while singing are also explored.
The dance component of the Encore! Class helps students gain confidence in various styles and genres, focusing on coordination, control, and balance. Additionally, they work on developing core strength, posture, improvisation skills, creativity, and the ability to learn and perform dance routines accurately. Expressive and flexible dancing is emphasised.
In the drama component, students delve into understanding texts and contexts, developing characters, and experiencing a variety of performance styles across different mediums such as film, stage, and radio. Expression in performance, both through body and voice, is a key focus, along with solo, duet, and ensemble work. Students also have the opportunity to experiment, devise and improvise, successfully use props and costumes, and improve their diction, inflection, accent, intonation, and phrasing.
For those interested in furthering their qualifications, the Encore! Class offers the option to be entered for LAMDA exams, ABRSM Musical Theatre exams, or work towards an Arts Award, which is accredited by Trinity College, London and can contribute up to 30 UCAS points.
To find out more about term dates and costs, please visit the WOAPA website or contact the provided phone numbers or email address. Stay updated with WOAPA's Children's Theatre Schools and Adult Choirs by following them on social media.
