Chelmsford Theatre and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts have announced an expanded education programme for 2026/27.
The renowned drama school is introducing a second Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) course in Acting at its Chelmsford location from September 2026. It follows the success of its CertHE in Musical Theatre at Chelmsford Theatre, which launched in autumn 2025.
Based in Peckham, London, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts is a world-leading drama school, offering courses on all aspects of the performing arts – from acting and directing, to stage management and technical production.
Acting CertHE expands creative education offer in Chelmsford
Mountview’s expansion for Chelmsford builds on the success of their Peckham-based CertHE Acting course, marking a new chapter in their mission to provide accessible, top-tier actor training across the UK.
Suitable for students from a wide range of backgrounds, the vocational course challenges performers to develop their own personal skill strengths, cultivate independent growth, expand their artistic vocabulary and grow as a creative artist. It can serve either as preparation for an undergraduate degree at Mountview or elsewhere, or as a standalone programme prior to launching a career in the performing arts or beyond.
The course will be delivered at Chelmsford Theatre by experienced local tutors appointed by Mountview and validated by the University of East Anglia. Over two terms, students will investigate and develop their existing practical skills in acting. They will enjoy the opportunity to work in a rehearsal setting and, at the end of the academic year, present a shared performance to family and friends.
In addition to developing acting and movement skills, the course includes audition preparation, 1:1 coaching, career tutorials, theatre trips, workshops and assignments.
Councillor Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services at Chelmsford City Council, which operates Chelmsford Theatre, said:
“The decision to expand Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts’ programme at Chelmsford Theatre is wonderful news for the district and highlights the strength of this partnership following its pilot year.
“The city council is committed to investing in creative talent and I’m delighted that this expanded partnership unlocks a fresh opportunity for budding actors to study under a world-renowned institution right here in Chelmsford.”
Councillor Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services, Chelmsford City Council
Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Principal & CEO, Sally Ann Gritton, said:
"We couldn’t be more delighted to broaden our partnership with Chelmsford Theatre. Our staff and students on the existing Musical Theatre CertHE course have been welcomed with open arms into the Chelmsford creative community and we are thrilled to expand our offering with an Acting CertHE from September 2026.”
Sally Ann Gritton, Principal & CEO, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
2025/26 cohort preparing to complete their CertHE qualification
Mountview’s pilot course in Chelmsford, a CertHE in Musical Theatre, launched in September 2025 with a class of 15 students, including 4 international students.
Over the academic year, this first cohort has been honing their acting, singing and dance skills with the help of three experienced local tutors.
As the end of the 2025/26 course approaches, the group is now preparing to demonstrate their development through a series of graded performances.
Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, said:
“It has been a complete joy to welcome our first cohort of Mountview students to the Chelmsford Theatre family over the last academic year, and I am thrilled to be preparing to enrol even more with the expansion of Mountview’s Chelmsford offer from September.
“Our partnership with Mountview is highly valued and I am really pleased to be developing this relationship for 2026/27. I look forward to meeting our next cohort of students and seeing their skills and confidence develop with the support of both Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and Chelmsford Theatre staff.”
Rhys Thomas, Chelmsford Theatre Director
Applications now open for 2026/27
Applications for Mountview’s Acting CertHE and Musical Theatre CertHE for 2026/27 are now open and close on 17 July 2026. Admission to the course is by audition. Student funding is available for course participants to apply for.
Find out more and apply via Mountview’s website.