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- Associates
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- Newbury Associates School
Newbury Associates School
- St Bartholomew's School, Andover Rd, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6JP
- What3Words: dock.dared.dart
About Us
Italia Conti is Britain’s oldest established theatre arts training school.
It grew out of the first production of the children’s classic Where The Rainbow Ends. Italia Conti, already an established actress with a growing reputation for working with young people, was asked to take over the training of the juvenile cast members.
The first season was a triumph and, at the end of the run, the young performers begged their parents to allow them to continue tuition with Miss Conti. From this, the school was born in basement studios in London’s Great Portland Street.
From these beginnings, and through Italia Conti’s pioneering policy of providing all-round training in singing, dancing, and acting, the Academy developed a curriculum of professional training that has benefited many household names across the entertainment industry.
Italia Conti has always recognised that the industry demands excellent standards of training in all areas. Its aims have always been to develop courses that fulfil these goals.
Demand for Italia Conti’s renowned training led to the opening of part-time Associate Schools across the country.
Italia Conti Newbury Associates School opened in 2006 and proudly uses the excellent facilities at St Bartholomew’s School in Berkshire to run Saturday classes.
No audition is required, as we wish to encourage participation in the arts for all abilities.
Classes are offered to students between 3 and 18+ years. Whether for recreation, physical and social development, or as a serious step towards a long-term career in the performing arts, the emphasis is always on enjoyment.
Lucy and Tara are committed to creating a safe and encouraging space for aspiring performers and are dedicated to nurturing talent and artistic excellence. Through their leadership and mentorship, they instil confidence and self-belief in their students, empowering them to become the best version of themselves possible.
The growth and development of students as individuals, alongside a strong sense of community, is what sets Italia Conti Newbury apart.
Timetable
Termly Fees
Please contact the team directly for the most up-to-date fees.
Email: associatesnewbury@italiaconti.co.uk
What We Do
Acro
Classes designed to improve core stability, strength, and flexibility.
Students work on balances, tumbles, flicks, leaps, jumps, lifts, and throws whilst also learning to collaborate with others through partner and group work.
Acting
Students develop physical and vocal skills through games, improvisation, script work, and characterisation exercises.
Classes encourage teamwork, self-confidence, discipline, and communication skills.
Ballet
Ballet technique forms the basis of all dance training.
ISTD Ballet examinations are available for suitable candidates, alongside Ballet Pointe classes for students at Grade 5 and above.
Jazz
Jazz dance develops all-round technical ability, covering leaps, jumps, kicks, turns, and performance routines across multiple styles.
Musical Theatre
Performance-based Musical Theatre classes combining acting, singing, and dance skills through production numbers from the West End, Broadway, and film.
Singing
Students explore a wide repertoire of Musical Theatre and Pop whilst developing solo skills, harmony work, breathing technique, and vocal control.
London College of Music examinations are available for students taking private lessons.
Private singing lessons are also available upon request.
Street
Street classes cover Hip Hop, House, Locking, Breaking, and Popping.
Students of all abilities learn modern street dance styles whilst building agility, strength, and acrobatic skills.
Tap
Rhythmical dance training available from age 4 upwards.
ISTD Tap examination classes are offered from Primary through to Advanced 2 level.
Dance & Drama Examinations
Students are encouraged to take Dance and Drama examinations where appropriate.
Italia Conti Newbury also regularly introduces new skills into the curriculum and offers professional workshops in areas such as Musical Theatre and Acting for Camera, alongside summer schools and holiday clubs.
Tara Dungate
Co-Principal
Tara is a professionally trained performer and dedicated teacher within the performing arts industry.
She trained at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, graduating with a diploma in 2011.
In 2022, Tara continued her education by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Italia Conti, graduating with top honours in January 2023.
Alongside her role as Co-Principal of Italia Conti Newbury, Tara is Head of Dance at Bradfield College in Berkshire and also teaches as a Commercial tutor on the full-time courses at Italia Conti Woking.
Tara is passionate about creating a supportive and empowering environment where students of all ages can flourish and reach their full potential.
Lucy Jeffrey
Co-Principal
Lucy’s journey within the Conti community began at a young age through the junior school before progressing onto the student course.
She graduated with a diploma before further enhancing her training with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
With more than a decade of teaching experience, Lucy has established herself as a creative practitioner and performer within the industry.
She is currently Deputy Course Leader for the diploma courses and Head Tutor of Musical Theatre at Italia Conti Woking.
Lucy also plays a key role within the performance department of the full-time school, choreographing and directing a variety of productions and performances.
Book a Free Trial
Free trial classes with no obligation are available at the start of every term.
To arrange a free trial, please contact: associatesnewbury@italiaconti.co.uk
Term Dates
2025/2026
Summer Term 2026
18 April - 27 June 2026 Half Term: 30 May
Entry Requirements
Age Range
For students aged 3 to 18+ years.
Entry
No audition is required for our classes, as we wish to encourage participation in the arts for all abilities. We offer a free trial session before you commit to enrolling. This can be arranged by emailing: associatesnewbury@italiaconti.co.uk
Uniform
Uniforms can be purchased or ordered on Saturdays from the main reception or online through the pupil portal.
Additional Information
The safety and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance at Italia Conti Associates.
Our students are taught and cared for by experienced, trained, DBS-checked staff, and a minimum of two trained First Aiders are always present.
We recommend students bring plenty of water and snacks with them to sessions.
Many of our students progress onto our full-time professional training courses.
The Associate classes and courses are the perfect stepping stone for this.
The Italia Conti Agency holds auditions for Associate School students to gain representation.
Successful students have been put forward for a variety of roles across television and theatre.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free trial session — no audition, no commitment.