about us

We are a theatre arts school offering classes for young people aged 7 to 18.

The Vivo D’Arte School of Theatre Arts provides high-quality training in the musical theatre acting disciplines.

Unlike traditional stage and theatre schools, we take a unique approach to theatre arts training. From the moment you begin the process with us, whether you’re brand new or experienced, you will quickly realise that our programme closely emulates the realities of working in the theatre arts industry. Our dedicated and experienced team of staff are selected with this theatre-based model in mind.

Our varied programme will prepare you for what’s needed to work in a professional theatre company, and you’ll have lots of fun and make friends along the way!

To find out more and to register for an audition please contact us.

Your opportunity

You’ll learn in our custom-fitted, COVID-safe rehearsal and teaching space, and perform in the ATG Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, a beautiful and award-winning professional venue. We value our partnership with the Waterside, and work alongside their hugely supportive management, administrative and front-of-house staff.

Our partnership also includes exclusive member-access to a long list of theatre and performance-based opportunities including live performances for local events, festivals and fêtes, seasonal launches, galas and parades, meeting with industry professionals, and film and radio opportunities.

We’ve been privileged to welcome lots of young performers over the last eight years to showcase their talent and get a first-hand experience of theatre. For us this feels like the next natural step. Being able to nurture home-grown talent within our very own venue walls is incredibly rewarding.

Lee Duffy
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre General Manager

Vivo D’Arte has always been committed to training and production and we always strive to give our performers the very best in industry training, insight, and experiences. To be given this opportunity to grow our partnership with the Waterside Theatre and open our weekly School of Theatre Arts in our new space is extremely exciting.

Dan Cowtan
Managing Director and Principal of Vivo D’Arte SOTA

Vivo, you are just simply the best, and being at the school has brought out (in such a short time) my daughters passion/enthusiasm and confidence! So looking forward the future!

Parent

During my time with Vivo D’Arte, what I did, not just in shows – but in my career – mattered to them. The high-quality performance opportunities Vivo D’Arte has given me, and the continual backing of many of the inspirational people involved, have been invaluable

George Watkins
Graduate: Royal Academy of Music

Our Team

Our dedicated and experienced team are also arranged with this theatre-based model in mind;
Principal and Artistic Director, Resident Choreographer, Musical Director, Company Manager, Technical Support etc

Dan Cowtan
Principal and Artistic Director
Dan Cowtan
Dan Cowtan
Principal and Artistic Director
Shomari Knott
Resident Choreographer
Shomari Knott
Shomari Knott
Resident Choreographer
James Penniston
Resident Director
James Penniston
James Penniston
Resident Director
Jon Stacey
Jon Stacey
Jon Stacey
Christian Ashby
Christian Ashby
Christian Ashby
Jo Penniston
Jo Penniston
Jo Penniston

OUR Venue

The school is partnered with ATG Aylesbury Waterside Theatre but while the theatre is closed due to the current COVID 19 crisis the school is currently located at Vivo D’Arte’s HQ at Hamilton House, Broadfields, Aylesbury. Vivo HQ has three dedicated dance studios and performance spaces and recording studio.

Why Join Us?

  • Support and guide your development, whether you are joining the school for fun, or if you are preparing for a career in the industry
  • Empower you to express yourself creatively
  • Enable you to develop confidence
  • Support your development as an independent learner able to recognise and realise your own potential
  • Learn from leading professional musical theatre practitioners
  • Understand the range of creative roles within musical theatre
  • Nurture your collaborative and leadership skills