![L-R Louise Pieri, Paul-Michael Jones and Rachel Crouch © Diana Field Photography (2)[1].jpg](https://www.essentialsurrey.co.uk/downloads/1107/download/L-R%20Louise%20Pieri%2C%20Paul-Michael%20Jones%20and%20Rachel%20Crouch%20%C2%A9%20Diana%20Field%20Photography%20%282%29%5B1%5D.jpg?cb=05e47fa03671d81e5b996a68af40ca78&w={width}&h={height} "L-R Louise Pieri, Paul-Michael Jones and Rachel Crouch © Diana Field Photography (2)[1].jpg")
L-R Louise Pieri, Paul-Michael Jones and Rachel Crouch © Diana Field Photography
Following their move to Riverside Business Centre, we catch up with founders of Performance Preparation Academy (PPA) Rachel Crouch and Louise Pieri
Performance Preparation Academy was formed in 2008 by Rachel Crouch and Louise Pieri with the aim of delivering first class vocational training aside academic qualifications in musical theatre, dance and drama in a fun and supportive atmosphere. PPA believes that theatre training should be challenging, aspiring, life affirming and ultimately a life changing experience.
Q. What is the mission of PPA?
A. To offer a nurturing, yet realistic training in the performing arts, with a strong vocational focus. For our foundation courses we have great links with drama schools such as Arts Educational Schools London, Mountview and Royal Welsh College, Bristol Old Vic and The Central School of Speech and Drama. For our students graduating from our three-year courses we spend most of their final year introducing them to the industry through shows and showcase performances.
Q. What courses you currently run at PPA?
A. 2-year foundation with Extended BTEC in Performing Arts, one year intensive in Acting, one year intensive in Musical Theatre, 3 year Professional Diploma in Acting for Stage and Screen, 3 year Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre. Full details, including entry requirements, can be found on our website
Q. What makes PPA different to other theatre training academies?
A. We offer outstanding triple threat training and the pastoral care and industry links to match.
Q. What are the training facilities like at PPA?
A. We have a newly refurbished building with beautiful state of the art studios (based at Riverside Business Centre) and sound systems. PPA has four buildings now in the heart of Guildford.
Q. Is gaining practical experience considered important at PPA?
A. Yes very. Just last year we launched a ‘Mentoring Program’ which exists to provide all three-year Musical Theatre and Acting Diploma students with the privilege of working throughout their training with a leading actor from the West End. Mentors currently include Bonnie Langford, Kerry Ellis, Hadley Fraser, Summer Strallen and many more who have already become established as key luminaries for students to learn from and work with.
Q. How much does it cost to train at PPA and do you offer any scholarships?
A. Our fees are much lower than most other colleges of the same calibre. We charge £2300 per term. Yes we offer both scholarships and bursaries.
Tickets are now on sale to see PPA’s Third Year Musical Theatre Diploma Students performing in two big productions at The Electric Theatre in Guildford. The Fix (27 Feb- 1 March) is a hard-edged political satire which easily could have been ripped from the headlines of today and the devilish musical comedy The Witches of Eastwick (6-8 March) based on the eighties fantasy-film of the same name. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01483 444789 priced £15 Concessions £10. Book now to avoid disappointment!
Performance Preparation Academy, Regents House, Ward Street, Guildford GU1 4LH and Riverside Business Centre, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4UG
Tel: 01483 503373
Website: ppacademy.co.uk
Twitter: @PPAcademyUK and @PPAProductions