Laine Theatre Arts, sometimes referred to as Laines, is an independent performing arts college, based in the town of Epsom in Surrey, England. The college was founded in 1974 by former professional dancer and dance teacher Betty Laine OBE, and developed from an earlier school, the Frecker-Laine School of Dancing. It provides specialist vocational training in dance and musical theatre.
The College prepares students for a professional career in the performing arts. The college is accredited by the Council for Dance Education and Training and as of 2025 the College is registered by The Office for Students for its HE provision. It offers Qualifications and Curriculum Authority recognised qualifications validated by the Trinity College London and the Ba (Hons) courses are validated by the University of Portsmouth. Key areas of study include singing, acting and dancing ( Musical Theatre). It was rated "Good" by Ofsted in 2023. As of 2023 Olivier award winning Choreographer Matt Cole joined the College as the Principal and Artistic Director. The College is governed by a board of Directors which is chaired by Professor Mark Hunt.
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Overview
Laine Theatre Arts provides specialist vocational training at further and higher education level in musical theatre. The college prepares students for a professional career in the performing arts and has a history of feeding artists into West End theatre, dance companies, television, film, pop music and other high-profile areas of the entertainments industry all over the world.
Training
The College offers four tracks of study, covering vocational, professional training in the performing arts
Laine Theatre Arts Foundation Diploma (1 Year) in Dance and Musical Theatre
Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre validated by Trinity College London
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (Unique one year post level 5 Diploma, Top Up Honours Degree. Validated by the University of Portsmouth.
Ba (Hons) in Professional Musical Theatre validated by the University of Portsmouth.
The Diploma course is accredited by Trinity College London and is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The college is also accredited to the Council for Dance Education and Training. The BA (Hons) courses are validated by the University of Portsmouth. Many student places at the college are funded by the British Government through the Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA) scheme and students studying for the Ba (Hons) are supported by student Loans company which offers up to £6,250 towards tuition fees per year plus access to maintenance loans on a means tested basis.
The college is also an approved centre of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Students have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised dance teaching qualifications with the organisation, in tap and modern theatre dance.
The college stages an annual production "The Laine Show" at the local 'Epsom Playhouse' theatre in June.
Patrons
Sir Matthew Bourne
Derek Deane
David Grindrod
Stephen Mear
Dame Arlene Phillips DBE
Stephen Brooker
Notable alumni
Victoria Beckham, Fashion Designer and Spice Girl.
Jamie Benson, later of 90s all-female band Hepburn. Now a trainer at the school.
Charlie Stemp West End leading man
Scarlette Douglas
Dan Burton
Charlie Bruce, Dancer
Karen Bruce, Choreographer and Director
Warwick Davis
Louise Dearman, West End Star.
Louise Ekland, French TV Star.
Kerry Ellis, West End and Broadway Star.
Jo Gibb, West End star.
Sean Ghazi, Singer and Actor
Sarah Hadland, Actress
Ruthie Henshall, West End & Broadway Star
Lee Latchford-Evans, from Steps
Enda Markey, Theatre Producer
Gerard McCarthy, Actor
Anu Palevaara
Dominique Provost-Chalkley
Aaron Renfree, S Club 8 member, dancer and choreographer.
Ben Richards, Actor