Italia Conti’s Emerging Talent Programme is designed to discover, nurture, and develop the next generation of performers across Musical Theatre and Dance.
This invitation-level programme offers talented young individuals access to high-level vocational training, expert mentorship, and the opportunity to build a direct relationship with Italia Conti from an early stage.
Created for students who demonstrate clear ability, commitment, and potential, the programme provides structured, monthly training led by the same faculty who teach on Italia Conti’s full-time degrees. Each workshop is carefully designed to challenge, refine technique, and build confidence in a professional training environment.
Each workshop day brings together a combination of core classes and guest-led sessions, exposing students to both technical training and current industry practice.
The Emerging Talent Programme runs across two terms per academic year, with one workshop day per month on Sundays, 11:00–17:00.
Students follow one of two focused pathways:
Designed for performers preparing for three-year Musical Theatre training.
Classes may include:
Designed for dancers preparing for three-year Dance training.
Classes may include:
Both pathways reflect the structure and expectations of Italia Conti’s BA (Hons) Musical Theatre and Dance degrees, providing early preparation for full-time vocational training.
Programme fees apply to students joining via audition or invitation.
Students who are scouted may receive a part or full scholarship, awarded for one academic year.
For full details of terms and conditions click here.
Applications are made via the online form. Participation is by invitation only, with three routes into the programme:
Apply directly and submit a virtual audition. Selected candidates will be invited to join.
Candidates may be nominated by Italia Conti staff through internal or outreach activity.
Students may be identified at performances, competitions, or through industry networks, including Italia Conti alumnx. Scouted students may receive a scholarship.
Applications for 2026/2027 are now open. Deadline: 31.08.2026
All applicants submit a virtual audition as part of their application.
Fitted rehearsal wear that allows clear visibility of movement.
Entry Standard: Students should have some previous training or experience. The course is designed for those ready to engage more seriously with their development.
Ages: 12–19 years (older students considered on a case-by-case basis)
Entry is by audition, invitation, or scouting. There are no formal academic requirements.
Students should be available for all scheduled workshop dates, wherever possible.
Students should be available for all scheduled workshop dates, wherever possible.
Emerging Talent Programme students are invited to attend any Italia Conti Holiday or Short Course with a significant discount. Please reach out to events@italiaconti.co.uk to access the discounted rate for each course.
I feel like I came into Conti with probably quite specific ideas on what I thought I would end up being. And I feel like it’s very easy to put yourself in a box and sort of have expectations for yourself. Whereas I feel like Conti has definitely pushed me to do things that maybe I would have been scared to do.
I feel prepared to do all these things that scared me before.
You get to work with people who have different techniques and different ways of working. also people who are in the industry. You’re not only getting taught by industry professionals every day, but you’re getting an insight in the projects from someone who’s actually currently working in the industry.
There are smaller classes in order to allow the teacher to have that closer bond, relationship, one-on-one time with the students and really give them feedback, not generalised feedback, feedback that they need.
The Emerging Talent Programme is an incredible opportunity which offers dancers a great space to expand their skillset. It has allowed me to develop my performance across all genres of dance. I have loved the wide range of industry experts taking guest workshops, many from current West End shows. I found joining the programme allowed me to experience life at Italia Conti, which was especially helpful as I was choosing my next steps. The support offered over the audition period boosted my confidence, and I believe contributed to my success. I really enjoyed my time on the Emerging Talent Programme and I am very excited to join the full-time degree in September.
My time at the Italia Conti Emerging Talent has been incredible. It’s helped me become a better performer and has helped me to gain confidence and experience. I’ve met so many incredible people and been taught by the most amazing faculty. The guest workshops have been awesome letting us gain knowledge of the current industry.
‘During my time at Italia Conti’s Emerging Talent Programme, I have received thorough support from both friends and faculty, who really make the experience feel special. The ETP has helped me to gain confidence in my work, and prepared me for how to apply my skills in an audition setting. Being familiar with the work environment, discipline expectations, and some of the faculty, allowed me to approach my audition for Italia Conti’s BA(Hons) programme with a calm and collected mindset.
My favourite thing about the ETP is definitely how welcoming the environment is, meaning I always feel free to try new things without judgement. I feel this is what drove me to choosing Conti as my place of study for the next 3 years, as I know I will always feel like part of the family.’
Being part of the Emerging Talent programme at Italia Conti has honestly been such an amazing experience. I’ve loved every minute of it and it’s made such a difference to me, not just in my dancing but in my confidence as well.
The industry workshops have been one of my favourite parts. Getting to learn from different professionals and hear about their experiences has been so inspiring and has really helped me understand what the industry is like. The teachers are so supportive and always give really helpful, practical advice that I’ve been able to use in auditions, which made the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming.
What I think stands out the most is how welcoming everyone is. From the teachers to the other students, it just feels like such a positive and encouraging environment. I felt at home really quickly, which made choosing where to continue my training so much easier.
I can already see how much I’ve improved since starting the programme and it’s made me even more excited to keep developing. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned so far and I can’t wait to start the 3 year full-time course in September.
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