FAQS

Young people discussing ideas for a hip hop theatre show at Starting From Scratch
Photo Credit – Owen Ling, Starting from Scratch

Entry Requirements

Academy Breakin’ Convention is for students who have a passion for hip hop culture and an interest to learn and develop as young hip hop artists and leaders in the hip hop sector. ABC celebrates diversity and welcome artists from all backgrounds and levels of experience.   

Candidates will demonstrate:   

  • The discipline and creativity required to successfully complete a level 3 course.  
  • A commitment to learning and developing as an artist and future leader.  
  • A passion for creating hip hop focused work with a desire to develop theatrically.  
  • Aspirations to pursue and sustain a career within the creative industries.

Students are expected to have 5 GCSES at grade 4 –9 including English / Maths (or equivalent).   

If a student does not meet these requirements but is an exceptional candidate, we will consider supporting a student who is dedicated and committed to obtaining this during their studies. This will be assessed on an individual basis. 

Your date of birth must be between September 1st 2006 – August 31st 2009

ABC will have a committed pastoral support team who can provide relevant support in lessons where necessary. If shortlisted, you will be asked to provide details on your educational needs.

If you have an Educational Health Care Plan, we will review your documents to assess whether we have the support available to help you throughout your time at ABC, as we are very small Further Education provider, so we will need to assess required support on a case-by-case basis.

 

ABC does not have a catchment area, but we would expect students to live within a maximum 1-hour journey time by public transport from Stratford (Sadler’s Wells East), where ABC will be based. 

To apply to ABC, you need to have been a resident of the UK in the last 3 years and will need to provide evidence of British Residency Status. 

There is no fee to attend ABC. 

The Recruitment Process

You can submit your application for Academy Breakin’ Convention between the following dates:

  • Early Bird 5 May – 10 August
  • General Applications 15 September – 31 January

For more information on how to apply, please click here.

We are looking for students who are ready to get involved in all aspects of hip hop theatre regardless of experience. It’s all about state of mind, you will be able to specialise and focus on your interested career path during your second year.  

We will also invite all shortlisted applicants to attend our free support sessions  to ensure everyone feels prepared and supported. We know students will be doing things outside of their comfort zone and a variety of options will be offered to make sure everyone has the best chance of success, enjoys the process, takes away positive encouragement and leaves feeling inspired and motivated to grow.  

For your audition you will be asked to dance, emcee and interview.  

You will need to prepare for the emcee section in advance and there will be support sessions to support shortlisted applicants.

You must prepare the a rap written by you using the question ‘Why do you want to study at ABC?’ as inspiration.

  • This can be memorised or read.
  • Must be 30 seconds to 1 minute in length.
  • You will perform it once to music and once as an acapella spoken word piece (no music).

*Please ensure the lyrics are age appropriate and with no offensive language* 

DANCE – BREAKING / POPPING / HIP HOP SOCIAL DANCE 

You will take part in a class learning a short routine including Breaking, Popping and Hip Hop Social Dance. You will also be given the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and perform the routine back in smaller groups, ending with your own flavour in a freestyle.   

EMCEE   

You will perform your pre-prepared rap and spoken word piece to a small panel.   

INTERVIEW  

A chance to return to your first application questions and for you to ask any questions to the ABC team.   

Early Bird applications (between 5 May – 10 August) will receive a a reply within two weeks from the 15 September regarding whether you have been shortlisted for an audition.

General Applications (between 15 September – 31 January) will receive a reply within two weeks of applying regarding whether you have been shortlisted for an audition.

You will be sent resources and key dates to prepare for your audition.

We will recruit 20 students for the 1st year, then next year another 20, therefore, there will be rolling total of 40 students in the academy every year. 

Extra Information

We are holding an ABC Open Day in November and January so you can get a feel for the course and lean what we are all about. If you wish to attend an Open Day be sure to register here to secure your space.

Students studying on the Hip Hop Theatre course at ABC, will work towards a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma*, in Performance and Production Arts, equivalent to three A-levels. *Subject to approval*  

ABC will be based at Sadler’s Wells East, 101 Carpenters Rd, London E20 2AR. This is a new state of the art venue opening as part of East Bank in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.