Performance Opportunities at Medway Academy of Performing Arts
- Owen McColgan
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
At Medway Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA), we believe that performing on stage is one of the most powerful and rewarding experiences a young performer can have. Each year, our students are given two guaranteed opportunities to perform in front of a live audience: our much-loved Christmas Showcase and our exciting Summer Showcase.
These showcases allow our students to celebrate their progress, demonstrate their growing skills in singing, acting and dance, and experience the thrill of performing for family and friends in a supportive and professional environment. For many children, these performances mark important milestones in their personal and artistic development.
Alongside our showcases, MAPA also offers a unique additional opportunity for young performers who are ready to take on a larger challenge – our Summer Youth Musical (SYM).
What is SYM – The Summer Youth Musical?
SYM is MAPA’s flagship performance project and a highlight of our calendar. Each year, we hold open auditions for children and young people from Medway, Kent and surrounding areas, giving them the opportunity to take part in a full-scale musical production in a professional theatre setting.
SYM is designed to replicate the experience of professional musical theatre as closely as possible. Performers rehearse intensively during the school summer holidays, working with experienced directors, musical directors, choreographers and a live orchestra. It is an unforgettable experience that challenges, inspires and transforms the young people involved.
SYM 2025: Les Misérables – School Edition
In February 2025, MAPA held open auditions for our Summer Youth Musical production of the classic musical Les Misérables – School Edition. Young performers auditioned for iconic roles including Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine, Éponine, Marius and Cosette, showcasing their vocal ability, dramatic skill and stage presence.
During the two-week summer rehearsal period, our successful cast worked at an incredible pace. By the end of the first week, the cast had already sung, staged and performed Act One of the show. In Week Two, the remainder of the musical was rehearsed and refined.
While rehearsals were underway, the production came together behind the scenes. The set and lighting rig were installed in the Glassbox Theatre, costumes were delivered, and props were sourced and organised – transforming months of planning into a fully realised production.
From Rehearsal Room to Stage
A particularly memorable moment came on Wednesday 6th August, when many cast members experienced their first ever sitzprobe, hearing the powerful and emotional score of Les Misérables performed live by our 13-piece orchestra for the very first time.
On Thursday 7th August, the cast took part in their technical rehearsal, running the show from beginning to end while lighting, sound and staging elements were finalised. The following day, Friday 8th August, the cast completed their dress rehearsal ahead of opening night.
The result was nothing short of extraordinary.
Audience Reactions and Community Praise
Our opening night audience was truly blown away. One audience member shared the following on Facebook:
"I have just watched the most phenomenal opening night of Les Misérables. Everything about it was amazing – the production, the orchestra and the whole cast! You literally blew me away. How you pulled off a performance of the standard you did in just 2 weeks is awe inspiring. Good luck for the rest of the shows!If you haven’t got tickets I strongly recommend you do. You do NOT want to miss this show.Once again, massive congratulations to everyone involved." 👏⭐️
Moments like these highlight not only the talent of our young performers, but also their dedication, teamwork and resilience.
SYM 2026: Grease the Musical
Following the huge success of Les Misérables, we are delighted to announce that our next Summer Youth Musical will be Grease the Musical.
Open to children and young people across Medway, Kent and surrounding areas, Grease offers an exciting opportunity to bring iconic characters such as Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, Kenickie, the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds to life.
With unforgettable songs including Grease Is the Word, Greased Lightning, Summer Nights and We Go Together, this production promises to be a high-energy, feel-good musical performed in a professional theatre with a large live orchestra, full lighting, costumes, props and set.
🎭 Audition dates will be announced soon, but families can register their interest now by visiting:👉 https://www.medwayacademypa.co.uk/mapa-sym
This is an opportunity not to be missed!
Why the Performing Arts Matter
At MAPA, we are passionate about the wider benefits of the performing arts. Participation in theatre, music and dance supports children and teenagers in ways that extend far beyond the stage.
Through our classes and productions, young people:
Build confidence and self-belief
Develop communication and teamwork skills
Learn resilience, discipline and commitment
Form strong friendships and a sense of belonging
Gain experience performing under pressure in a safe, supportive environment
For many students, MAPA becomes a second family – a place where they feel valued, supported and inspired.
Weekly Classes at Medway Academy of Performing Arts
Our weekly classes provide the foundation for everything we do at MAPA. Classes focus on singing, acting and dance, helping students develop strong technical skills while nurturing creativity and confidence.
MAPA Rainham – Saturday Classes
📍 The Howard School, Rainham🕙 Saturdays: 10.00am – 1.00pm
📍 Derwent Way, Rainham, ME8 0BX
MAPA Chatham – Wednesday Classes
📍 Waterfront UTC, Chatham🕔 Wednesdays: 5.00pm – 8.00pm
📍 South Side Three Road, Chatham, ME4 4FQ
Our classes are suitable for children and young people of varying experience levels – whether they are stepping onto the stage for the first time or working towards more advanced performance opportunities like SYM.
Join the MAPA Family
Whether through our weekly classes, seasonal showcases or the unforgettable experience of SYM, Medway Academy of Performing Arts offers young people the chance to grow, shine and create memories that will last a lifetime.
We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of performers to the MAPA family!
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