"It never ceases to amaze at the quality, vibrancy, huge energy and professionalism that Theatretrain seems to manage to create time after time. I am so proud of them, but more importantly they are proud of themselves - you couldn't ask for more."
For almost 25 years Theatretrain has provided professional training in the performing arts for children and young people at over 70 weekend centres in the UK.
Theatretrain gives every pupil many opportunities to perform at local theatres and in London's West End. These unique performances give pupils plenty of time on stage and a real opportunity to participate in the excitement of live theatre.
Theatretrain have been performing in the West End and the Royal Albert Hall for over 20 years.
Visit our Youtube channel to see clips from previous performances
"It never ceases to amaze at the quality, vibrancy, huge energy and professionalism that Theatretrain seems to manage to create time after time. I am so proud of them, but more importantly they are proud of themselves - you couldn't ask for more."
When they’re part of Theatretrain, all young performers are part of something big.
So what makes the Theatretrain Way special?
We take a professional approach to training the performing arts to children. All our teachers are highly experienced and teach dancing, acting and singing skills in the important wider context of professional theatre – covering storytelling, sound, movement and stage attitude. Our classes are divided for pupils aged 6-9, 9-12 and 13-18.
We make that training accessible to all. Energy, enthusiasm and commitment are our only entry requirements. Our unique, step-by-step curriculum enables all young people to build a thorough understanding of the performing arts; developing technique, confidence, imagination, teamwork and individual expression along the way.
We create outstanding opportunities for all our pupils to perform.
We’re the only national performing arts school to involve all our pupils in large-scale West End performances, every year. Our regular pupils perform in more West End theatres than many professional performers!
We create international opportunities as our pupils progress.Our Theatretrain Academy is designed to bring experienced pupils, aged 15-18, from different centres together on a regular basis to collaborate and progress their individual skills. Each year a new piece of work is created and performed overseas in the October half-term.
Our founders
Theatretrain was founded in 1992 by Kevin Dowsett – an international figure of youth performance and pioneer in educational theatre. Kevin’s unique approach draws upon an impressive career of teaching young performers, writing for youth theatre and directing large-scale performances at venues including London’s O2 arena. Kevin’s former pupils include Catherine Tate, Martine McCutcheon, Louise Redknapp, Hans Matherson, Kelly Brook and Daniel Mays.
Emma and her late husband, who was already a Theatretrain teacher, joined Kevin to open the first franchise in 1995. They became great friends and opened a second franchise later that year, 3 more followed in ’99. Emma then gave up lecturing to become Kevin’s full time business partner in 2000 to expand the company nationally. Tragically, her husband died in 2004 but Kevin and Emma continue to drive the business forward and Emma continues to run her 4 centres.
We have centres nationwide, and are growing monthly!
“Theatretrain took me on. It inspired me to be more confident and brave and enjoy the moment and I think I became a better person”
An institution in his own right. From I Claudius through to Nanny McPhee, Gladiator & Gosford Park.
“Dear Kevin, Many congratulations on the great work at Theatretrain. Twenty years of outstanding achievement. I send you my very best wishes for the decades to come!“
English actress, writer and comedienne most famously known for her catchphrase as Lauren Cooper ‘Am I bovvered’ from The Catherine Tate Show.
“Many congratulations to Theatretrain on your 20th anniversary. I have great memories of my time working with Kevin. We had such fun, and it was the beginning of my journey as an actor. A fantastic company and a wonderful experience for young people.”
Our latest Patron for 2012! You will fondly know Lucy as ‘Dawn’ in the hit comedy ‘The Office’.
Lucy also featured in ‘Shaun of the Dead’.
The evil villain Dr Octavius in Spiderman 2, he has a vast string of films beneath his belt including The Da Vinci Code, Texas Rangers and Chocolat.
"Theatretrain took me from a timid young girl to a bubbly young woman. They are my family!"
"I’m lucky to be able to work with the most creative, talented and nicest students every Saturday morning.”
SUMMER TERM 2017
22nd April to 15th July
AUTUMN TERM 2017
9th September to 9th December
SPRING TERM 2018
6th January – 24th March
SUMMER TERM 2018
14th April – 14th July
Click on ‘Centres’ at the top of our website. Enter your postcode in the box and click submit.
There are two options, follow the steps above to find your closest centre and contact them directly or email your CV to admin@theatretrain.co.uk with a list of centres you are interested in working with.
Click on our ‘Open Your Own Centre’ button on our website or contact Emma Meads on 01327 300498 or emma.meads@theatretrain.co.uk
Follow the steps above (Where can I find information on my local centre) rather than contacting Head Office.