NEWBRUY ASSOCIATES
Phone contact: 07770 444205
associatesnewbury@italiaconti.co.uk
To apply today, please fill in this application form and return it to us.
The Italia Conti Academy is Britain’s oldest established theatre arts training school. It grew out of the first production of a play that was to become a children’s classic, ‘WHERE THE RAINBOW ENDS’. Italia Conti, who was already an established actress with a growing reputation for her success with working with young people, was asked to take over the training of the juveniles in the cast.
The first season was a triumph and, at the end of the run, the young members of the cast begged their parents to let them continue tuition with Miss Conti. So the school was born, in basement studios in London’s Great Portland Street.
From these humble beginnings, and with Italia Conti’s pioneering training policy of providing ‘all-round training in singing, dancing and acting’, the Academy has perfected a curriculum of professional training that has benefited many of today’s household names.
The Italia Conti Academy has always recognised that the industry demands excellent standards of training in all areas. Its aims have always been to develop courses to fulfil these goals. The Academy’s reputation is renowned throughout the world, and the request for the training it offers outstretched the commuting practicalities of just a London-based centre.
Demand resulted in the Academy opening part-time Associate Schools throughout the country. The Italia Conti Associate School Newbury was opened in 2006. Each Associate school is unique to its host community and we are delighted to use the excellent facilities of St. Bartholomew’s School Newbury, Berkshire to run our Saturday classes.
No audition is required as we wish to encourage participation in the arts for all abilities and classes are offered to children and teenagers between 3 and 18+ years – whether it’s for recreation, physical and social development or a serious step towards a long-term career, the emphasis is on enjoyment.
Lucy & Tara are committed to creating a safe and encouraging space for all aspiring performers and are dedicated to nurturing talent and artistic excellence. Through their leadership and mentorship, they instil a sense of confidence and self-belief in their students, empowering them to be the best version of themselves possible. The growth and development of aspiring performers as individuals along with an ethos of community is what sets aside Italia Conti Newbury from other schools.
Tara is a professionally trained performer and dedicated teacher in the performing arts industry. Her journey began at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, where she honed her skills and graduated with a diploma in 2011. Tara’s unwavering passion for both performing and teaching has fuelled a successful career that spans over 15 years.
In 2022, Tara elevated her education by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Italia Conti, achieving top honours upon graduation in January 2023. With her experience and expertise, Tara now serves as the Co-Principal at Italia Conti Newbury, working alongside Lucy. Additionally, she holds the position of Head of Dance at Bradfield College in Berkshire, while also imparting her knowledge as a commercial tutor at Italia Conti Woking on the full-time courses.
Tara’s passion for nurturing young performers is evident in her teaching approach. She thrives on creating a supportive and empowering environment where students of all ages can flourish and reach their full potential. Through her multifaceted roles in teaching, choreography, and performance, Tara showcases her versatility and deep-rooted passion for the arts and brings this energy and knowledge to lessons taught on a Saturday.
Lucy’s journey within the Conti community began at a young age when she attended the junior school and later progressed to the student course. Her dedication and passion for the arts led her to graduate with a diploma, which she further enhanced by obtaining a bachelor of arts degree.
With over a decade of teaching experience under her belt, Lucy has established herself as a talented creative and performer within the industry. Her expertise and professionalism have earned her the position of Deputy course leader for the diploma courses and head tutor of musical theatre at Italia Conti Woking, where the full-time courses are conducted.
Lucy’s role within the full-time school’s performance sector is pivotal, as she takes on the responsibilities of choreographing and directing various shows and performances. Her commitment to maintaining professional performance standards, coupled with her collaborative approach to teamwork, has been instrumental in fostering and bringing a supportive and nurturing environment for students at Italia Conti Newbury.
Acro classes are designed to improve core stability, overall strength and flexibility.
Classes cover a range of skills to support other subjects they take within the school.
Skills included are:
We also encourage students to work together in creating acrobatic balances, lifts and throws.
Students are encouraged to develop physical and vocal skills in imaginative ways through games, improvisation and by interacting with other students in group drama classes.
Pupils will study characterisation, including script work, and improvisation. Improvisation encourages creativity and works on the development of the imagination.
Acting classes encourage team building, self-confidence and discipline, as well as communication skills.
As Ballet technique is the basis of all dance forms, it takes time, effort and dedication to execute the classroom step to any given style, to make it natural, and make it seamlessly connected, so that it is true and honest when performed.
ISTD examinations may be taken by suitable candidates and students are encouraged to pursue this but it is not a compulsory part of our ballet dance classes.
We also offer a Ballet Pointe Class for students who are Grade 5 and above.
Jazz dance is the ideal way to build your all round dance skills. It draws the best from all different styles and mixes them into something magical. Classes also cover the technical aspects of jazz dance, including:
Students will then translate these into their routines. It is simply great fun and a foundation to many other dance forms.
Musical Theatre is unique to Italia Conti due to our unique training in performance-based musical theatre classes.
Students build a lot of confidence and self esteem in these classes by combining acting, singing and dance skills in production numbers from West End, Broadway Musicals and films.
Teachers encourage pupils to develop and use their personalities as learning is developed across all 3 performance skills.
In our singing classes, students will cover a wide repertoire of musical theatre and pop.
Pupils are given opportunities to study every genre and develop their solo skills as well as learning how to harmonise in groups.
The importance of correct breathing and vocal technique is considered a vital part of class work.
Not only is singing hugely enjoyable, but it’s an essential tool to help build self-confidence.
London College of Music (LCM) examinations are offered for this subject for students who take private lessons.
Private singing lessons are also available upon request.
Street dance is the umbrella that holds the 5 dance styles we know:
This is a chance for students of all dancing abilities to learn the latest street dance styles.
This genre of dance requires strength, agility and acrobatic skills, all of which students achieve through innovative coaching.
Tap is a popular, rhythmical dance skill enjoyed by students from age 4 upwards.
We offer ISTD examination classes from primary to Advanced 2 level.
Pupils are encouraged to take Dance & Drama examinations when appropriate. Italia Conti Newbury is always introducing new skills into the curriculum to keep abreast of current trends and the demands of the profession.
We often offer professional workshops which include Musical Theatre, Acting for Camera etc., as well as other opportunities such as summer schools and holiday clubs.
3 to 18 yrs
Associate School Address:
St Bartholomew’s School Andover Rd Newbury Berkshire RG14 6JP
Mailing Address:
10 Beech Court Wokingham Road Hurst Berkshire RG10 0RQ
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
Uniforms can be purchased/ordered on Saturdays from the main reception or online by logging into our pupil portal.
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. 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.
Please contact us to get the most up-to-date price list.
Spring Term 2024
06 January – 03 February February 10 & 17 – Half Term 24 February – 23 March
Summer Term 2024
20 April – 18 May 25 May – Half Term 01 June – 29 June