We hope the summary below will give you a better understanding of what West End Kids is all about. If you have any questions about WEK that are not answered here, feel free to contact us with your questions and queries.

CORE AIMS AT WEST END KIDS:

To challenge exceptionally talented young performers in a way that unlocks their complete potential.

Exceptionally talented youngsters can often feel frustrated and de-motivated at local theatre organizations where the standards strived for are not as high as the student is capable of. The standard of work within West End Kids is extremely high, providing a real challenge for even the most able young performers.

To nurture enthusiasm and dedication.

All West End Kids are extremely dedicated to their training and to musical theatre on the whole. Talented kids are demanding, very demanding. When West End Kids want to go that extra mile, practice harder, rehearse more - then we are here to ensure they have an environment in which to do that. West End Kids provides them with all the tools neccesary for them to practice, practice, practice - which is what all of them want to do. West End Kids musical director provides WEK members with Rehearsal Tapes, Orchestrations, Rehearsal Videos, Vocal Warm Up CD's and 1-2-1 skype training, and anything else they want - to ensure they are able to feed their enthusiasm and not be left frustrated.

To provide relevant experience and skills.

WEK rehearsals are somewhat different to those of other Youth Theatre companies. Rehearsals are done at an incredibly fast pace and are equally as demanding. Not only does this method of working ensure that all West End Kids are continually challenged, but also provides a realistic pace for working, which is then accepted as "the norm" from a young age. Professional Directors and Musical Directors do not "spoon feed" actors during rehearsals, and neither does West End Kids. We make no allowances for their young age, but instead run rehearsals with the same intensity and speed that is found in a professional environment, ensuring all West End Kids become accustomed to life as a professional performer from a very young age.

To provide a healthy, long-lasting vocal technique.

It is very common to find singers who "belt" (or pull up chest register), especially young children, when singing musical theatre and pop music. West End Kids fixes this problem, ensuring that everyone has a healthy technique, which allows them to sing in any style, without placing any strain or damage on the vocal folds. We also aim to correct "flippers" who flip obviously from chest to head registers. West End Kids will work on connecting your voice to pass through the bridges seamlessly. This technique coaching is done in the form of 30 minute sessions before rehearsals each week. West End Kids are also able to study with Musical Director, Martin Williams via 1-2-1 online Skype lessons.

To prepare young performers for Drama College and University.

West End Kids is proud to have a 98%* success rate in allowing WEK members to gain entry into the performing arts school, college or university of their choice. It is often the case that WEK members find stage school, college or university EASIER than West End Kids!! This is how we prepare WEK members - we stretch and challenge them as much as we can so that when they re-join their peers at other courses, auditions, productions or schools, they find that they have been working to much higher standards than others.

*amongst members who have been with WEK for at least 1 year leading up to their audition.

To provide performance experience.

West End Kids aims to provide performance experience. WEK performances range from in-house reviews and recordings, to external events such as "West End Live" and charity events and functions for the NSPCC, Marie Curie and many others. To date West End Kids have performed for well over 1 million people and has an exceptional reputation within the UK.