What We Offer
At Northern Star Theatre Arts
4-6 Year Olds
This age group take part in an hour and a half lesson introducing them to the core disciplines of singing, dancing and drama. Lessons are tailored to offer children the opportunity to learn basic social skills, build confidence and give them a head start in life.
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This early stage is a great stepping stone which gives children a firm grounding for more advanced lessons in performing arts in our main school.
7-16 Year Olds
Our students are split into three age groups as follows:
7 – 9 year olds
9 – 11 year olds
12 – 16 year olds
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These age groups take part in a three hour session, consisting of three one hour lessons in advanced singing, dancing and drama, each of which are taught by specialist, experienced coaches.
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The three groups rotate between the three disciplines. Students are banded into specific age groups within this category to be most suited and at ease with their peer group.
Drama
Students learn numerous acting techniques, putting what they learn into practice during lessons and in annual productions. Stage craft and technical artistry are taught at our theatre school in Sunderland through the medium of poetry, improvisation, mime, script work and drama games.
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Students learn to improve focus and concentration, project and express themselves with poise and clarity, while learning to work as part of a team. In a friendly atmosphere pupils grow in confidence while having fun.
DancE
Students learn artistic expression, co-ordination and flexibility, while improving posture and really stretching their imagination in these enjoyable lessons. Dance sessions consist of various creative dance styles, although focussing primarily on musical theatre, jazz and street dance.
Singing
Students are taught to carefully build technique and repertoire, in order to become vocally agile. At an early age learning rhythm, pitch and breathing techniques students become adept at projecting their voice, in perfect preparation for a future in theatre.
LAMDA Examinations
LAMDA was founded in 1861 and first offered speech examinations to the public in the 1880’s. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious drama schools in the UK. At NSTA we offer our students the opportunity to measure their progress and receive a record of personal achievement through entry for regional examination at The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art.
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We are proud to say that NSTA is the only Theatre School offering a private on site LAMDA examination service in Sunderland, where LAMDA examiners assess our students in the comfort of our own school. Our free one to one LAMDA tuition has consistently yielded enviable examination results, which if taken to a high enough level, earns successful candidates university entry UCAS points.
AWARDS
Students are rewarded for honing their talent in Singing, Drama and Dance each term as well as a dedication award for every year in which they attend Northern Star Theatre Arts. We also present the 'Ruth Trigger Award' for extreme dedication. Ruth Trigger was a loved and dedicated Northern Star student who sadly passed away due to cystic fibrosis.