School of rock

Urdang theatre school merges with university to create new department of performing arts

Slicked-back buns, stage makeup, and glittery costumes have become commonplace among City students after a prestigious performing arts school joined the university this academic year.

The Urdang Academy specialises in musical theatre and is recognised as one of the UK’s best performing arts colleges. It has a strong international reputation thanks to the impressive number of alumni landing roles in leading West End shows like Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked.

The acquisition is part of an ambitious new strategy to enhance and develop City’s reputation for music and its engagement with the creative industries. As part of the department of performing arts, Urdang has joined the newly established umbrella school of communication and creativity.

Commenting on the development, City’s President, Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein, said: “This is an exciting development for City, and we are delighted to welcome Urdang staff and degree students to our family. Our shared ethos and ambition make City and Urdang a powerful combination and provide a strong foundation for the development of the academy.”

Following the initial announcement in Spring 2022, the CEO of Urdang, Solange Urdang said: “The time is right for the Urdang Academy to take the next step to blossom and grow.”

Students attending Urdang will continue to study from its current base at the Grade II listed building, the Old Finsbury Town Hall, which is home to six spacious dance studios, whilst also benefting from support and facilities in City’s department of music.

Speaking about the transition, student Robynne Evans said that using City’s facilities was “overwhelming” to begin with as a result of having access to so many more practice rooms and additional study space.

“The frst term was a bit chaotic,” said Ms Evans. “[City] was so big and we were all getting lost. Now we’ve settled in, it’s much smoother sailing. Using the practice studios has been very useful.”

As well as the additional facilities, Ms Evans said that joining the University has increased her social circle, and created new opportunities to join other societies and activities.

Merging with the music department will allow Urdang to maintain its founding ethos, whilst beneftting from City’s focus on practice and professionalism.

“I am delighted that City will take on this challenge, especially given the close alignment of our beliefs and values, and the support and development opportunities that City can offer,” said Ms Urdang. “I look forward to seeing Urdang fourish under the City umbrella.”

Megan Geall