The composer of famed musicals Les Misérables and Miss Saigon is joining the star-studded teaching line-up at a new Suffolk musical theatre school run by West End Star Ruthie Henshall.
Ms Henshall has announced plans to open CAST, a new drama school in Bury St Edmunds which will offer a three-year diploma in Musical Theatre Industry Preparation.
With its first intake in September 2023, Ms Henshall has pulled in a variety of industry icons to develop the project, including Claude Michel Schonberg, the composer of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, and Stephen Mear CBE, 2005 Olivier winner for his Mary Poppins choreography.
Ms Henshall said: "The world is changing, as is the industry. A major part of our training at CAST is about staying relevant within a business that continues to shift daily.
"I am lucky enough to have been able to call on an illustrious panel of rising stars and musical theatre legends to develop a course and ethos that best serves our students as they start their journeys in this new world."
She added: "We want our students to have the opportunity to work alongside, to learn and to grow with a team of talented, successful and extraordinary artists.
"Who better to guide them than the people who are currently working in the industry that they aspire to join."
Claude Michel Schonberg will be running termly masterclasses with students and said: "Only practical experience in our industry can give you a complete understanding of what it takes to succeed and sustain a career in the world of musical theatre.
"With strong ties to industry professionals and Ruthie at the helm, this is what CAST will offer all its students."
Another star joining the teaching line-up is 2005 Olivier winner for his Mary Poppins choreography, Stephen Mear CBE.
"For me, inspiring the next generation of performers and offering the support and skills to help them on their journey is essential," said Mr Mear.
CAST will be located in Bury St Edmunds and applications are now open for international and UK-based students alike to compete for the 25 places they offer each year.
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