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School: Dance (11-16)
Applications are now open for September 2025 entry. Please note, The Hammond does not charge a fee to audition.
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Once you have submitted your application, you will be allocated an audition date. Audition requirements can be found below.
Auditions Dates
Thursday 21st November (Year 7 & 8 Entry)
Monday 10th February (Year 7 & 8 Entry)
Wednesday 12th February (Year 9 & 10 Entry)
Monday 24th March (All Years)
Other Audition Locations
In addition to a full calendar of audition dates at The Hammond in Chester, we'll also be hosting regional auditions in the following places:
Edinburgh - Sunday 2nd March
Belfast - Sunday 29th March
Click here to find out more about The Hammond's Regional Auditions.
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You can find out information about Fees & Funding here.
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Applicants to the School Dance course will take part in a ballet class, a modern/jazz dance class and a physical assessment of flexibility and facility.
All applicants will also have to sing a song, perform a solo dance, take part in an interview with the panel, and be involved in The Hammond Entrance Interview.
Ballet Class
20-minute barre and centre work including: port de bras, pirouettes and allegro. There will be no pointe-work in the audition.
Modern/Jazz Class
Focusing strongly on performance skills, the modern/jazz class combines technical corner work and a short, choreographed routine which will include co-ordination, isolated movement, kicks, turns and strong dynamics.
Song
Applicants should prepare and perform one song and of their own choosing. Please provide your own sheet music; an accompanist will be provided on the day. All songs should be in the original key for female identifying applicants, but male identifying applicants may change the key to accommodate changing voices if necessary.
Solo Dance
Applicants are asked to also prepare a solo dance in any chosen style that demonstrates their technical strengths, musicality, and performance. The solo should be no more than one minute in length.
Post-audition Interview
Following the audition you will have an interview with the panel, which will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
The Hammond Entrance Interview
The Hammond Entrance Interview (THEI) is your opportunity to meet with a member of The Hammond’s Senior Leadership Team.
Both the applicant and their Parent(s) / Guardian(s) will be invited to answer questions created to decide if The Hammond is the correct fit for the applicant and their family.
To prepare for THEI, you will need to email your most recent school report to registrar@thehammond.co.uk no less that one week before your audition date.
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If you have any questions regarding your application or the audition process, you can contact The Hammond's Registrar, Katie Barclay, via email:
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Please visit our What's On page to see an up to date list of all Hammond events, including Open Days, Experience Days, performances and external events.
School: Acting & Musical Theatre (11-16)
Applications are now open for September 2025 entry. Please note, The Hammond does not charge a fee to audition.
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Once you have submitted your application, you will be allocated an audition date. Audition requirements can be found below.
Auditions Dates
Thursday 30th January
Wednesday 19th March
Other Audition Locations
In addition to a full calendar of audition dates at The Hammond in Chester, we'll also be hosting regional auditions in the following places:
Edinburgh - Sunday 2nd March
Belfast - Sunday 29th March
Click here to find out more about The Hammond's Regional Auditions.
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You can find out information about Fees & Funding here.
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Applicants for the Acting and Musical Theatre course will participate in a short acting and improvisation workshop and a musical theatre performance workshop. Additionally, they will need to prepare a monologue, song and will have the opportunity to give an instrumental performance (optional). All applicants will also take part in an interview with the panel and be involved in The Hammond Entrance Interview.
Monologue
Applicants should prepare and perform one memorised monologue of the candidate’s choice, lasting no longer than 3 minutes.
Song/Musical Performance
Applicants should also prepare and perform one song of their own choosing. You should bring your own sheet music; an accompanist will be provided on the day. All songs should be in the original key for female identifying applicants, but male identifying applicants may change the key to accommodate changing voices if necessary.
If applicants play a musical instrument, the panel will also welcome a performance that demonstrates this musical skill. However, this is not compulsory.
Post-audition Interview
Following the audition you will have an interview with the panel, which will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
The Hammond Entrance Interview
The Hammond Entrance Interview (THEI) is your opportunity to meet with a member of The Hammond’s Senior Leadership Team.
Both the applicant and their Parent(s) / Guardian(s) will be invited to answer questions created to decide if The Hammond is the correct fit for the applicant and their family.
To prepare for THEI, you will need to email your most recent school report to registrar@thehammond.co.uk no less that one week before your audition date.
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If you have any questions regarding your application or the audition process, you can contact The Hammond's Registrar, Katie Barclay, via email:
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Please visit our What's On page to see an up to date list of all Hammond events, including Open Days, Experience Days, performances and external events.
College: Acting & Performance (Years 12 - 13)
Applications are now open for September 2025 entry. Please note, The Hammond does not charge a fee to audition.
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Once you have submitted your application, you will be allocated an audition date. Audition requirements can be found below.
Auditions Dates
Thursday 30th January
Wednesday 19th March
Other Audition Locations
In addition to a full calendar of audition dates at The Hammond in Chester, we'll also be hosting regional auditions in the following places:
Edinburgh - Sunday 2nd March
Belfast - Sunday 29th March
Click here to find out more about The Hammond's Regional Auditions.
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You can find out information about Fees & Funding here.
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Applicants for the Acting and Performance course will participate in an acting and improvisation workshop and a musical theatre performance workshop. Additionally, they will need to prepare two contrasting monologues, song and will have the opportunity to give a instrumental performance (optional). All applicants will also take part in an interview with the panel and be involved in The Hammond Entrance Interview.
Monologue
Applicants should prepare and perform two contrasting memorised monologues of the candidate’s choice, lasting no longer than 2 minutes each. Re-direction may be given by the panel.
Song/Musical Performance
Applicants should prepare one song from the set list provided; an accompanist will be provided on the day. Backing tracks will not be allowed.
Your song will also provide an opportunity for a member of the panel to focus on your acting-through-song.
All songs should be in the original key for female identifying applicants, but male identifying applicants may change the key to accommodate changing voices if necessary.
If applicants play a musical instrument, the panel will also welcome a performance that demonstrates this musical skill. However, this is not compulsory.
Post-audition Interview
Following the audition, you will have an interview with the panel, which will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
The Hammond Entrance Interview
The Hammond Entrance Interview (THEI) is your opportunity to meet with a member of The Hammond’s Senior Leadership Team.
Both the applicant and their Parent(s) / Guardian(s) will be invited to answer questions created to decide if The Hammond is the correct fit for the applicant and their family.
To prepare for THEI, you will need to email your most recent school report to registrar@thehammond.co.uk no less that one week before your audition date.
Songs for Audition
Set List - Female Identifying Songs
‘A Little Bit in Love’ - Wonderful Town
‘Watch What Happens’ - Newsies
‘My Friend, the Dictionary’ - 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
‘Stranger to the Rain’ - Children of Eden
‘Beyond My Wildest Dreams’ - The Little Mermaid
‘I Hate the Bus’ - Caroline, or Change
‘Some Things Are Meant to Be’ - Little Women
‘Time Like This’ - Lucky Stiff
‘Everlasting’ - Tuck Everlasting
‘Sister Act’ - Sister Act
The Hammond is pleased to supply sheet music for all set list pieces. These will be emailed to you upon submitting your application.
Set List - Male Identifying Songs
‘She’s Too Far Above Me’ - Half a Sixpence’
‘Some Girls’ - Merrily We Roll Along
‘Good Thing Going’ - Merrily We Roll Along
‘What Do I Need With Love?’ - Thoroughly Modern Millie
‘Larger Than Life’ - My Favourite Year
‘Sailing’ - A New Brain
‘Who I’d Be’ - Shrek
‘Lost in the Wilderness’ - Children of Eden
‘It’s Hard to Speak My Heart’ - Parade
‘Left Behind’ - Spring Awakening
‘Let It Sing’ - Violet
‘Goodbye’ - Catch Me If You Can
The Hammond is pleased to supply sheet music for all set list pieces. These will be emailed to you upon submitting your application.
If you have any questions regarding your audition, please contact Katie Barclay (Registrar) via email: registrar@thehammond.co.uk.
-
If you have any questions regarding your application or the audition process, you can contact The Hammond's Registrar, Katie Barclay, via email:
-
Please visit our What's On page to see an up to date list of all Hammond events, including Open Days, Experience Days, performances and external events.
College: Professional Diploma - Dance
Applications are now open for September 2025 entry. Please note, The Hammond does not charge a fee to audition.
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Once you have submitted your application, you will be allocated an audition date. Audition requirements can be found below.
Auditions Dates
Friday 28th February
Monday 31st March
Tuesday 1st April
Other Audition Locations
In addition to a full calendar of audition dates at The Hammond in Chester, we'll also be hosting regional auditions in the following places:
Edinburgh - Sunday 2nd March
Belfast - Sunday 29th March
Click here to find out more about The Hammond's Regional Auditions.
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You can find out information about Fees & Funding here.
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Applicants to the Professional Diploma: Dance course will take part in a 1-hour ballet class, 25- minute contemporary class, 25-minute jazz class, and a physical assessment of flexibility and facility. All applicants will also have to sing a song, perform a solo dance, take part in an interview with the panel and also be involved in The Hammond Entrance Interview.
For all parts of the dance audition, hair must be tied back and styled appropriately. Short hair must be off the face.
Ballet Class
25 minute barre.
Centre work including: port de bras and pirouettes.
Petit and grande allegro.
There will be no pointe-work in the audition.
Dress - Plain style leotard in any colour, ballet tights, unitard, ballet shorts, fitted vest. Shoes - Canvas flats or soft block ballet shoes.
Contemporary
A session that combines short phrases of innovative dance vocabulary that require freedom of movement, athleticism, agility, and artistry.
Dress - Plain leotard, footless tights, fitted vest, shorts.
Shoes - Bare feet are required for this element of the audition.
Jazz
A session combining technical corner work and a short routine with a strong focus on co-ordination, isolated movement, kicks, turns and a strong dynamic, performance skill.
Dress - Plain style leotard, footless tights or shorts, jazz or turning shoes.
Solo Dance
Applicants are asked to prepare a solo dance in any chosen style that demonstrates their technical strengths and artistic skill set. Solo dances are not to exceed 1-minute in length.
Dress - According to dance style.
Post-audition Interview
Following the audition, you will have an interview with the panel, which will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
The Hammond Entrance Interview
The Hammond Entrance Interview (THEI) is your opportunity to meet with a member of The Hammond’s Senior Leadership Team.
Both the applicant and their Parent(s) / Guardian(s) will be invited to answer questions created to decide if The Hammond is the correct fit for the applicant and their family.
To prepare for THEI, you will need to email your most recent school report to registrar@thehammond.co.uk no less that one week before your audition date.
Song
Applicants should prepare one song from the set list provided below; an accompanist will be provided on the day. Backing tracks will not be allowed.
Set List - Female Identifying Songs‘Flowers’ - Miley Cyrus
'Bring Me to Life' - Evanescence
‘Torn’ - Natalie Imbruglia
‘How Long Will I Love You’ - Ellie Goulding
‘Spinning Around’ - Kylie Minogue
‘Ironic’ - Alanis Morissette
‘Heaven Help My Heart’ - Chess
‘There’s a Fine, Fine Line’ - Avenue Q
‘Live Out Loud’ - A Little Princess
‘Home’ - Beauty and the Beast
‘Anything Goes’ - Anything Goes
‘So in Love’ - Kiss Me, Kate
The Hammond is pleased to supply sheet music for all set list pieces. These will be emailed to you upon submitting your application.
Set List - Male Identifying Songs
‘Shotgun’ - George Ezra
‘Friday I’m in Love’ - The Cure
‘When You Say Nothing At All’ - Ronan Keating
‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ - Green Day
‘Your Song’ - Elton John
‘The Impossible Dream’ - Man of La Mancha
‘I’ll Be Here’ - Wild Party
‘Johanna’ - Sweeney Todd
‘Grow for Me’ - Little Shop of Horrors
‘Goodbye’ - Catch Me If You Can
The Hammond is pleased to supply sheet music for all set list pieces. These will be emailed to you upon submitting your application.
If you have any questions regarding your audition, please contact Katie Barclay (Registrar) via email: registrar@thehammond.co.uk.
-
If you have any questions regarding your application or the audition process, you can contact The Hammond's Registrar, Katie Barclay, via email:
-
Please visit our What's On page to see an up to date list of all Hammond events, including Open Days, Experience Days, performances and external events.
College: Professional Diploma - Musical Theatre
Applications are now open for September 2025 entry. Please note, The Hammond does not charge a fee to audition.
-
Once you have submitted your application, you will be allocated an audition date. Audition requirements can be found below.
Auditions Dates
Friday 28th February
Monday 17th March
Other Audition Locations
In addition to a full calendar of audition dates at The Hammond in Chester, we'll also be hosting regional auditions in the following places:
Edinburgh - Sunday 2nd March
Belfast - Sunday 29th March
Click here to find out more about The Hammond's Regional Auditions.
-
You can find out information about Fees & Funding here.
-
Applicants to the Professional Diploma: Musical Theatre course will take part in a ballet class, a modern/jazz dance class, an acting workshop and a physical assessment of flexibility and facility. All applicants will also have to sing a song from the list below, take part in an interview with the panel and also be involved in The Hammond Entrance Interview.
Applicants should ensure they wear appropriate dance clothing for the dance classes - changing facilities will be available.
Ballet Class
20-minute barre and centre work including: port de bras, pirouettes and allegro. There will be no pointe-work in the audition.
Modern/Jazz Class
Focusing strongly on performance skills, the modern/jazz class combines technical corner work and a short, choreographed routine which will include co-ordination, isolated movement, kicks, turns and strong dynamics.
Acting Workshop
Focusing on improvisation and characterisation the acting workshop gives auditionees the opportunity to showcase their creativity, playfulness and storytelling ability.
Song
Applicants should prepare one song from the set list provided; an accompanist will be provided on the day. Backing tracks will not be allowed.
Your song will also provide an opportunity for a member of the panel to focus on your acting-through-song.
All songs should be in the original key for female identifying applicants, but male identifying applicants may change the key to accommodate changing voices if necessary.
The Hammond Entrance Interview
The Hammond Entrance Interview (THEI) is your opportunity to meet with a member of The Hammond’s Senior Leadership Team.
Both the applicant and their Parent(s) / Guardian(s) will be invited to answer questions created to decide if The Hammond is the correct fit for the applicant and their family.
To prepare for THEI, you will need to email your most recent school report to registrar@thehammond.co.uk no less that one week before your audition date.
Songs for Audition
Set List - Female Identifying Songs
‘A Little Bit in Love’ - Wonderful Town
‘Watch What Happens’ - Newsies
‘My Friend, the Dictionary’ - 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
‘Stranger to the Rain’ - Children of Eden
‘Beyond My Wildest Dreams’ - The Little Mermaid
‘I Hate the Bus’ - Caroline, or Change
‘Some Things Are Meant to Be’ - Little Women
‘Time Like This’ - Lucky Stiff
‘Everlasting’ - Tuck Everlasting
‘Sister Act’ - Sister Act
The Hammond is pleased to supply sheet music for all set list pieces. These will be emailed to you upon submitting your application.
Set List - Male Identifying Songs
‘She’s Too Far Above Me’ - Half a Sixpence’
‘Some Girls’ - Merrily We Roll Along
‘Good Thing Going’ - Merrily We Roll Along
‘What Do I Need With Love?’ - Thoroughly Modern Millie
‘Larger Than Life’ - My Favourite Year
‘Sailing’ - A New Brain
‘Who I’d Be’ - Shrek
‘Lost in the Wilderness’ - Children of Eden
‘It’s Hard to Speak My Heart’ - Parade
‘Left Behind’ - Spring Awakening
‘Let It Sing’ - Violet
‘Goodbye’ - Catch Me If You Can
The Hammond is pleased to supply sheet music for all set list pieces. These will be emailed to you upon submitting your application.
If you have any questions regarding your audition, please contact Katie Barclay (Registrar) via email: registrar@thehammond.co.uk.
-
If you have any questions regarding your application or the audition process, you can contact The Hammond's Registrar, Katie Barclay, via email:
-
Please visit our What's On page to see an up to date list of all Hammond events, including Open Days, Experience Days, performances and external events.
Degree: BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance
You can begin your application via UCAS now. Our course code is: T649 and our institution code is: C55. Please note, The Hammond does not charge a fee to audition.
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Once you have submitted your application, you will be allocated an audition date. You will also be sent out all information about what the Audition day will look like, including what classes to expect and what you can do to prepare.
Audition Dates for September 2025 Entry
Saturday 7th December
Saturday 11th January
Saturday 15th February
Saturday 1st March
Saturday 8th March
Saturday 29th March
Saturday 26th April
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The Hammond’s BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance course is eligible for Student Loan funding. Please find information on how to apply here.
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Applicants to the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance course will be required to take part in a Jazz class, deliver a monologue of no more than 3 minutes in length and a song chosen from the set list below.
Applicants should ensure they wear appropriate dance clothing for the dance classes - changing facilities will be available.
Jazz Class
Focusing strongly on performance skills, the jazz class combines technical corner work and a short, musical theatre choreographed routine which will include co-ordination, isolated movement, kicks, turns and strong dynamics.
Monologue
Applicants should prepare and perform one memorised monologue of the candidate’s choice, lasting no longer than 3 minutes. Re-direction may be given by the panel.
SongApplicants should two contrasting Musical Theatre songs (one from the prescribed list and one contrasting song of the applicants own choice). Please note that you may not be required to perform both songs.
An accompanist will be available on the audition day to perform both the setlist song and your chosen piece (details will be included in your audition correspondence). Please note that backing tracks are not permitted.
Your song will also provide an opportunity for a member of the panel to focus on your acting-through-song abilities.
All songs should be in the original key for all applicants.
Female Identifying Song Set List:
‘Crossing A Bridge’ from Anastasia
‘Far from the Home I Love’ from Fiddler on the Roof
‘How Could I Ever Know?’ from The Secret Garden
‘I’m A Beast’ from Daddy Long Legs
‘Is It Really Me?’ from 110 in the Shade
‘Just Not Now’ from I Love You Because
‘Live Out Loud’ from Little Princess
‘No More Fear’ from Freaky Friday
‘Nothing Stops Another Day’ from Ghost
‘Maybe I Like It This Way’ from The Wild Party
‘Someone Like You’ Jekyll and Hyde
‘Woman’ from The Pirate Queen
Male Identifying Song Set List:
‘Fight From the Heart’ from Rocky
‘Go The Distance’ from Hercules
‘I Won’t Send Roses’ from Mack and Mabel
‘If Ever I Would Leave You’ from Camelot
‘In Love With You’ from First Date
‘It Just Wasn’t Meant to Happen’ from Calvin Berger
‘Larger than Life’ from My Favourite Year
‘My Petersburg’ from Anastasia
‘On the Street Where You Live’ from My Fair Lady
‘One Knight’ from Wonderland
‘She Was There’ from The Scarlet Pimpernel
‘Try Me’ from She Loves Me
The Hammond is pleased to supply sheet music for all set list pieces. These will be emailed to you upon submitting your application.
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If you have any questions regarding your application or the audition process, you can contact Nicola Moxon via email:
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Please visit our What's On page to see an up to date list of all Hammond events, including Open Days, Experience Days, performances and external events.
