Minack Academies
Helping young people to develop advanced theatre skills
We have four different academies which focus intensively on specific areas:
- Minack Acting Academy
- Minack Musical Theatre Academy
- Minack Technical Academy
- Minack Events Academy
Each academy meets one day a month working with industry professionals and gaining valuable experience in a creative setting.
Read more about each of the academies below.
Our academy auditions happen once a year, typically towards the end of September. Academy members then engage in a year long programme of 10 monthly sessions with top industry professionals, along with opportunities on or behind the Minack stage. We encourage academy members to attend as many of the sessions as possible to get the most out of this valuable opportunity to develop skills, gain confidence, work towards education goals and most of all have fun!
For more information on our academies please email [email protected] with your enquiry or sign up to our Taking Part newsletter.
One of our aims as a Community Interest Organisation is that Rowena Cade's legacy should benefit the West Cornwall community. Providing children with access to the arts and opportunities to explore the arts creatively is a vital part of this and as such our academies are offered for free as part of our Taking Part programme. This is supported by our visitors and theatre programme.
Minack Acting Academy
Our Minack Acting Academy meet monthly for intensive advanced skills training with some of the industry's top professionals.
In addition to their monthly training they are given a variety of performance opportunities.
They perform annually on the Minack stage, with the production then taken out on tour to some of Cornwall's professional venues.
Academy members have also become a popular feature for day-visitors over the Christmas period as they tell their stories around the theatre!
The Academy was first created in 2016 and many of its members have gone on to professional study at some of the country's top drama schools.
Auditionees are asked to prepare one short monologue to be performed in front of a panel and their peers.
Minack Muscial Theatre Academy
Our Minack Musical Theatre Academy meet monthly for intensive advanced skills training with some of the industry's top professionals.
They are equipped with all of the skills and resources required to pursue a career in the industry and the tools to become a 'triple threat'.
They perform annually on the Minack stage and also have the opportunity to be part of the Minack's collaboration with the British Theatre Academy.
Past members have progressed on to drama schools, universities and conservatoires with alumni commenting how well prepared they felt for the next steps into their performing arts careers.
Auditionees are asked to prepare one song and will take part in a short dance class in front of a panel and their peers.
Minack Technical Academy
Our Minack Technical Academy meet monthly for intensive advanced skills training on sound, lighting and stage management.
They are equipped with all of the skills and resources required to pursue a career in the industry and have the opportunity to be involved in our own Minack Productions to gain first hand experience during a production run.
The academy was set up in 2025 with the first cohort currently relishing the challenge of all things technical, particularly the challenges of being outdoors on the edge of a cliff!
Minack Events Academy
Our Minack Events Academy is new for 2025!
Offering hands-on experience and expert training in live event production, planning, and delivery.
If you’re passionate about creating unforgettable experiences and want to develop your skills in one of the most iconic venues in the country, we’d love to hear from you!
