Freshers’ and Induction Week at MPAA

As the new academic year begins, MPAA once again comes alive with music, movement and community. The start of the 2025–2026 year marked an exciting new chapter for our students in Musical Theatre Performance and Dance Education, as we welcomed a new first-year cohort and celebrated the return of our second and third years. From induction sessions to showcases and celebrations, the week set the tone for a year of creativity, collaboration and growth.

The week began with Induction sessions for new first years and Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) classes for returning students in tap, modern and ballet. The highlight was the Freshers’ Picnic and Party, where new and returning students came together for food, games and plenty of laughter.

Held in a studio filled with balloons, the event featured food and drink provided by third-year students and Ben Darmanin, MPAA’s Artistic Director. Each first-year received an information pack about the local area, and entry bracelets marked each year group. Ice-breaking games, including a lively “Speed Introductions” session and creative team challenges filled the afternoon with energy. A performance by the “Fantastic Five,” a group of second- and third-year students performing an original song, was a particular highlight. The celebrations continued late into the evening, setting a joyful tone for the year ahead.

Induction Week at MPAA always begins in a circle – a tradition led by Ben Darmanin. His opening address, alongside faculty introductions, encourages students to set goals, reflect on growth and support one another. This year’s theme was to raise our standards, using the image of a thermometer to remind us that excellence should become the new normal.
Throughout the week, students engaged in discussions about degree progress, creative development and professional preparation across both the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance and ISTD Teacher Training (DDE) pathways. The advice shared emphasised resilience, community and staying connected to one’s passion – a philosophy central to MPAA’s training approach.

All Induction Week classes lead to one goal: the Induction Week Showcase. Each year group worked intensively with guest creatives and faculty to stage original choreography and musical theatre numbers performed to staff and peers.

The final day of Induction Week brought excitement and anticipation. Before the performances, students joined a workshop led by Thalia Burt, exploring warm-up techniques designed for dancers to use before daily classes.
The Induction Showcase was a highlight of the week – filled with passion, teamwork and precision. From commercial house dance to tap and Fosse-inspired jazz, each piece showcased the growing confidence and creativity of every year group. The Musical Theatre performances closed the event with powerful ensemble singing that moved the audience to tears.
The celebrations continued with the Freshers’ Party, complete with food, music and a popcorn machine – ending the week with colour, laughter and lasting friendships.

The final day of Induction Week brought excitement and anticipation. Before the performances, students joined a workshop led by Thalia Burt, exploring warm-up techniques designed for dancers to use before daily classes.
The Induction Showcase was a highlight of the week – filled with passion, teamwork and precision. From commercial house dance to tap and Fosse-inspired jazz, each piece showcased the growing confidence and creativity of every year group. The Musical Theatre performances closed the event with powerful ensemble singing that moved the audience to tears.
The celebrations continued with the Freshers’ Party, complete with food, music and a popcorn machine – ending the week with colour, laughter and lasting friendships.