Inter & Senior Academy Students Prepare to Take Centre Stage in 9 to 5 the Musical
- May 11
- 4 min read
Young Performers Across Medway and Kent Rehearse for Their Exciting End-of-Year Production
The excitement is building at Medway Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) as students from our Inter and Senior Academies work tirelessly in preparation for their spectacular end-of-year production of 9 to 5 the Musical.
Over recent months, our talented young performers from across Rainham, Chatham, Gillingham, Faversham, Medway and Kent have been dedicating themselves to rehearsals, learning challenging harmonies, energetic choreography, acting scenes and iconic musical numbers ready to wow audiences this summer.
At MAPA, we pride ourselves on providing children and young people with exciting opportunities to perform, develop confidence and build lifelong skills through the performing arts — and this production is set to be one of our most exciting yet.
A Fantastic Opportunity for Young Performers in Medway & Kent
Students in our Inter Academy (ages 10–13) and Senior Academy (ages 13–18) take part in weekly professional training through MAPA’s specialist Singing, Dancing and Acting classes.
Our weekly academies run at three locations:
📍 MAPA ChathamWednesdays | 5pm–8pmWaterfront UTC, Chatham
📍 MAPA RainhamSaturdays | 10am–1pmThe Howard School, Rainham
📍 MAPA FavershamSaturdays | 10am–1pmThe Abbey School, Faversham
Each week, students participate in three hour-long classes of Singing, Dancing and Acting, all taught by industry-trained and expert teachers with real professional experience in the performing arts industry.
Through productions such as 9 to 5 the Musical, students gain invaluable experience rehearsing and performing in a full-scale musical theatre production while developing confidence, resilience, communication skills and teamwork.
About 9 to 5 the Musical
Based on the iconic 1980 film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, 9 to 5 the Musical is one of the most loved musical theatre productions in the world.
Featuring music and lyrics by the legendary Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, the musical originally premiered in Los Angeles before opening on Broadway in 2009.
The original Broadway production featured:
Stephanie J. Block as Judy Bernly
Allison Janney as Violet Newstead
Megan Hilty as Doralee Rhodes
Marc Kudisch as Franklin Hart Jr.
The Broadway production was directed by the acclaimed Joe Mantello and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, who is also known for his work on Hamilton. The hugely successful West End production opened in London in 2019 at the Savoy Theatre, starring:
Louise Redknapp as Violet
Amber Davies as Judy
Natalie McQueen as Doralee
Brian Conley as Franklin Hart Jr.
The West End production was directed by Jeff Calhoun, with choreography by Lisa Stevens.
Students Working Hard Behind the Scenes
At MAPA, rehearsals for 9 to 5 the Musical have been full of energy, laughter and dedication.
Students have been:
🎤 Learning complex vocal harmonies
💃 Rehearsing exciting choreography
🎭 Developing acting and characterisation skills
📖 Memorising lines and staging
🤝 Building teamwork and ensemble performance skills
Our students have been working on iconic songs including:
9 to 5
Get Out and Stay Out
Shine Like the Sun
Heart to Hart
One of the Boys
Change It
These challenging musical numbers allow students to strengthen their singing technique, stage presence and performance confidence.
More Than Just Performing Arts Classes
While students develop high-quality musical theatre skills at MAPA, the benefits go far beyond the stage.
Children and young people attending MAPA:
✔ Build confidence and self-belief
✔ Improve social and communication skills
✔ Develop resilience and discipline
✔ Learn teamwork and collaboration
✔ Make new friends and become part of the MAPA family
✔ Gain creative skills that support them throughout life
The joy and excitement our students experience every week is truly contagious. MAPA has become a second home for so many children and young people across Medway and Kent, and students genuinely cannot wait to return each week to train, rehearse and spend time with their friends.
Exciting Performance Opportunities at MAPA
Performance opportunities are at the heart of what we do at Medway Academy of Performing Arts.
Every student works towards:
🌟 A Summer Showcase
🌟 A Christmas Showcase
🌟 The opportunity to audition for MAPA’s Summer Youth Musical (SYM)
Previous Summer Youth Musicals have included the hugely successful Les Miserables: School Edition, while Summer 2026 will see MAPA bring Grease the Musical to the stage.
These productions provide students with unforgettable experiences performing in front of live audiences while helping them develop essential theatre and life skills.
Looking for Performing Arts Classes in Medway or Kent?
If your child loves to sing, dance, act or perform, MAPA offers the perfect environment for them to thrive.
Whether you are based in:
Rainham
Chatham
Gillingham
Rochester
Faversham
Sittingbourne
Wider Medway or Kent
MAPA welcomes students aged 3–18 of all abilities.
Every new student is entitled to a Free Trial, allowing children and parents/carers to experience our classes and discover whether MAPA is the right fit for them.
👉 The best way to book a Free Trial is by visiting:https://medwayacademypa.lovable.app/book-trial
Parents and carers can choose to pay for classes termly or monthly, one month in advance, with many families preferring the monthly option for added flexibility.
Join the MAPA Family Today
As our Inter and Senior Academy students continue preparing to bring 9 to 5 the Musical to life, we could not be prouder of the dedication, passion and talent they show every single week.
At MAPA, we don’t just teach performing arts — we create opportunities, build confidence and help young people discover their potential.
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