WHO WE ARE

Mission Statement

Since its inception in 1962, Laine Theatre Arts has been dedicated to the fostering of creative talent. Among our alumni are some of the most highly regarded performers, teachers, choreographers, and director-choreographers in the world. The College’s outstanding reputation in the performing arts has been built on its unique identity as a training provider, exceptional employment records, and the company values instilled in its students which are noted, time and again by employers.

For over fifty years, training at the College developed under the personal direction of its founder, Miss Betty Laine OBE. Now, in 2025 Laine begins a new chapter as a regulated provider of higher education, building on past achievement to further embrace the challenge of developing young artists as they work to realise their potential in a future where the skills they learn…resourcefulness, adaptability, resilience… are more important than ever.

Laine is unique….

Those familiar with Laine Theatre Arts agree unanimously that it is a unique environment. One in which training grows out of an artistic energy embedded in the college’s atmosphere, in the collective pride of its student population and in the fabric of the building itself.

So what is a ‘Lainey’?

Laine students have a strong collective mindset. They are energised. They are kind and disciplined. They get the job done…and they seem to teach the next lot how to do it, too.

The Training…

The high-calibre training at Laine Theatre Arts prepares students to work as musical theatre company members or specialists in the contemporary or commercial dance sectors. The curriculum combines top-level musical theatre training with the opportunity for specialist focus in dance, musical theatre or acting. The College celebrates the creative potential of every student it trains and gives full value to the unique contribution each has to make.

Consistency…

Laine Theatre Arts is proud of its largely resident teaching faculty. The high standards that have become synonymous with the name ‘Laine’ are in no small part due to the skill, care and consistency of its in-house teaching team working in tandem with an impressive portfolio of visiting industry professionals to ensure training is always current and reflective of positive and inclusive industry practice.

The future…

We are committed to further developing Laine Theatre Arts as a warm, safe space for students to explore their craft and hone their skills. We are committed to creating an environment that is representative of society and one which allows us to learn from the perspectives of others. We strongly believe that fostering a diverse community of students and staff is vital to the future reputation of Laine Theatre Arts as a world-class provider of vocational performing arts training.

Student Life

Laine Theatre Arts is committed to ensuring it functions as a Safe Space in which all students can flourish academically, artistically and personally, celebrating the gifts that each individual brings to the table.

As such, student well-being is our top priority, and Laine is committed to nurturing, empowering, and supporting its student population. We continually strive to create a happy, inclusive community, supported by a pastoral care team comprising the Head of Student Services, Injury Management Lead, Learning Support Lead, College Counsellor and the College Safeguarding Team.

Our aim is to ensure that the mental and physical health and well-being of our students is supported throughout the duration of their training, allowing them to give full focus to their studies and fulfil their career potential. We operate an open-door policy, where students can approach any member of the faculty with any issue they are facing in the first instance, before being directed to a specific support network.

The Student Services Team is constantly seeking to widen its reach and increase the network of external providers that work with the College on all matters of health and wellbeing.  The provision we offer is frequently reviewed to ensure it remains responsive to the needs of the current student body and the student voice plays a vital and ongoing role in both shaping the service and ensuring it is fit for purpose.