Industry exposure

At MGA we pride ourselves on offering world-class training and performance opportunities throughout our suite of courses providing our students with the toolkit they need to develop and sustain a successful career within what is a very competitive industry. Especially for students who have chosen not to study in London.

However, we are also aware that for our students to be successful in the industry, they have to have a working knowledge of the industry itself.

At MGA we take every step possible to ensure that our students have this essential industry knowledge.

We do this by using our contacts with those already in industry to give our students the opportunity throughout their course to work and engage with and ultimately learn from with leading agents, casting directors, directors, choreographers, musical directors and professional performers.

We work with these industry experts to:

  • give our students the earliest possible exposure to industry by helping them develop the skills, experience and knowledge to help them succeed after graduating from MGA
  • provide our students to get a head start on their careers by working on real projects and performances which can broaden their career options upon successful completion of their course
  • produce highly motivated and committed graduates who will become part of future generations of successful performing artists.

Recent visitors to MGA have included:

Kerry Ellis – West End and Broadway Musical Theatre Performer
Carole Todd – Director
Gok Wan – TV Personality and Presenter
Adam Garcia – Hollywood Actor and Musical Theatre Star
Ruth Carney – TV, Film and Theatre Director
Benjamin Newsome – Casting Director
Shane Collins – Shane Collins Associates agency
Simon Mayhew – Oxford Adams Associates agency
Ricky Jinks – Choreographer and Dancer
Bonnie Milligan – Broadway Musical Theatre Performer
Lindsay McAllister – Resident Director/Choreographer of Hairspray UK Tour
Shoshana Bean – Musical Theatre Star, Wicked on Broadway
C.J Kirkland – Costume Designer
Christina Bianco – American Actress and Impressionist
Michael Kirkland – Director
Tracy Geltman – Company Manager on Broadway for Hairspray, The Producers, Addams Family, Peter and the Starcatcher
Mark McBride – Musical Director for Bill Kenwright and Celebrity Cruises
Nic Corey – Director
Rachel Tucker – Broadway and West End Musical Theatre Performer
Jonathan Reid Gealt – American Composer
Natalie Weiss – USA Musical Theatre and YouTuber
Sam Archer – Dancer for Matthew Bourne and Choreographer
Ray Quinn – Musical Theatre and TV Personality
Lisa Cottrell – Creative Director for Belinda King
Sally Walford – Casting Director
Zoe Tyler – TV Personality and Entertainment Manager
Dove Cameron – Disney Star and Singer

This holistic approach ensures that our students benefit greatly through gaining industry experience and learning from experts within their field to allow them to kick-start a successful career in their chosen area of the performing arts.

Full-Time Auditions

Applications are taken all year round, until course places are full – so the earlier in the year you apply, the more places will be available.

Auditions are in person at MGA campus in Livingston. A member of our team will be in touch within two weeks of submission to take you through the process. Apply now »

In-person audition dates:

  • 2024-25 dates coming soon

If you are unsure which course to apply for, please get in touch admissions@themgaacademy.com and the MGA Team will be happy to discuss it with you.

Published 9/2/24   9:15AM

Contemporary Elite Intensive - The MGA Academy x WHITE AND GIVAN

In celebration of the launch of our BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Course in September 2024, our Artists in Residence and Programme Leaders ‘WHITE AND GIVAN’ are hosting a Contemporary Elite Intensive on Saturday 2nd March 2024 for the UK’s most promising young talent in Contemporary Dance (age 16+). Attendance is… » Read more

Published 13/1/24   9:10AM

MGA Academy to Host Open Day

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts to welcome prospective students on campus for open day event this February. Following on from the success of our open day in November, We will be opening our doors on Thursday 29th February once again. These events are a fantastic opportunity to engage with… » Read more

Published 11/12/23   9:57AM

Christmas Wish aims to raise vital funds for charity

ONE of Scotland’s leading performing arts schools has announced it will be hosting its annual magical Christmas show to raise vital funds for a prominent mental health charity. Taking place for one night only on December 13th at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, MGA Academy has promised that the extravaganza will have… » Read more

Get in touch

Phone: 0330 058 0656

General enquiries/student information: info@themgaacademy.com

Office address:  Silver Rock Studios,  Almondvale Business Park,   Almondvale Way,   Livingston,   West Lothian,   United Kingdom,  EH54 6GA
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