Academy of Live and Recorded Arts

The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) is a "provider of Dance and Drama Awards" located in Wandsworth, London, England.cite web
title = ALRA (Academy of Live & Recorded Arts) : Directgov - Directories
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publisher = UK government
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url = http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/DG_10027214
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accessdate = 2008-06-03] The school was founded [http://83.138.166.35/features/obituaries/?p=29 The Stage, Sorrel Carson Obituary, 25 April 2005] Accessed 31 May 2008.] in 1979 by director, writer and actress Sorrel Carson, [http://www.doollee.com/Links/dramaschoolsuk.htm doolee.com, "The Playwrights Database", UK Drama Schools Links] Accessed 31 May 2008.] [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/pdf/?inspectionNumber=321206&providerCategoryID=2128609280&fileName=%5C%5Cschool%5C%5C50%5C%5Cdd_50308_20071204.pdf UK Office for Standards in Education, Inspection Report for the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, 2005, Ref. HMI 298] Accessed 31 May 2008.] along with Caryll Ziegler. Carson then directed the school as its principal for more than twenty years. Under Carson's guidance, ALRA was one of the first drama academies in England to emphasize the broadcasting arts in addition to screen and stage. ALRA is a registered charity.

Acceptance

Admission to the school is based on successful audition. There are no specific educational prerequisites for entrance, but the one-year acting course offered by the school is offered only to students aged 21 and over. Applicants are offered the opportunity to visit the school and participate "in a day of practical workshops".

Qualifications

All students completing the 3 year BA (Hons) Acting course successfully will be awarded the BA (Hons) Acting (validated by the University of Greenwich) and the National Diploma in Professional Acting (validated by Trinity College London). In addition to this, students will be offered Equity membership through NCDT accreditation. [ [http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=447 Trinity College diploma] ]

All students completing the MA Professional Acting course successfully will be awarded the MA Professional Acting (validated by the University of Greenwich) and the National Certificate in Professional Acting validated by Trinity College London). In addition to this, students will be offered Equity membership through NCDT accreditation. [ [http://www.alra.co.uk/v2/courses/1-year.html ALRA guide to one-year course] ]

All students completing the 2 year Stage Management Foundation Degree course successfully will be awarded a National Foundation Degree in Stage Management, and are guaranteed at least one work placement. [ [http://www.gre.ac.uk/fd/subjects/per/w450r University of Greenwich, Foundation Degree information] ]

Grants & Funding

The acting courses at ALRA are a part of the UK government's Department for Education and Skills Dance and Drama Award (DADA) programme, which bears the brunt of tuition fees and maintenance costs for those who qualify. [ [http://www.direct.gov.uk/danceanddrama/ UK government's DADA website] Accessed 31 May 2008.] Students have the opportunity to apply for numerous scholarships, including the Sorrel Carson Scholarship, named in honor of the school's founder and long-time principal. Individual student loans and further education (FE) loans may also be available for some courses. [ [http://www.drama.ac.uk/guide2003/dramaguide/DATA/funds.htm Conference of Drama Schools, guide to funding options] ]

Management and staff

The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts is managed by a principal. Founder Sorrel Carson served in this position and guided ALRA for over twenty years. Pat Trueman, BA, FRSA, is the current principal, appointed in 2003. The principal leads a management team of directors responsible for the various courses and also coordinates with a board of trustees.

Principal
*Pat Trueman Resident Staff
*Sarah Double (Programme Manager)
*Clive Duncan (Programme Director - Acting)
*Maureen Gibbins (Finance Manager)
*Emma Gray (Marketing & Development Officer)
*Robert Lewis (Counsellor)
*Saul Reid (Registrar)
*Daniel Rowson (Learning Resources/IT Manager)
*Susan Watson (Admin Assistant)
*John Wild (Head of Voice)
*Maria Clarke (Head of Movement) Board of Trustees
*Jimmy Akingbola
*Richard Gill
*Philip Hedley C.B.E (Vice-Chairman)
*Edmund Middlehurst
*Keith Murray (Chairman) [ [http://www.alra.co.uk/v2/staff/allstaff.html Website of ALRA, a registered charity. ALRA Staff] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.alra.co.uk/ ALRA website]
* [http://www.rvpb.com/ Royal Victoria Patriotic Building website]
* [http://www.direct.gov.uk/danceanddrama/ Dance and Drama Award Scheme website]