Independant reports about HTS....

The following article was taken from 'The Stage newspaper' following the HTS 2003 showcase:

"...11 fine young voices..." To read the whole review: CLICK HERE

The next article was taken from 'The Stage' following the HTS 2002 showcase:

"...a truely enjoyable evening..." To read the whole review: CLICK HERE

The following report was submitted to the National Council of Drama Training, by Richard Gill, following the 'HTS showcase 2001'

"...these students seem to know who they are, and how to present themselves..." To read the whole review: CLICK HERE

The following review of the 'HTS 2000 Showcase' appeared in the Stage newspaper:

"...all three actors seemed totally envolved and convincing..." To read the whole review: CLICK HERE

 

Below is a selection of what industry people are saying about HTS and our students:

I have rarely met a group of students so dedicated, inventive and well prepared for this industry. Debbie O'Brien, West End Casting Director

 

“HTS has come to hold a very special place in my affections. As a guest director/choreographer who has auditioned thousands of artists for musicals, I have been struck by the extremely high standard of professionalism and real theatrical grounding achieved by the student actors.

 Although the school is perhaps not considered in the mainstream of theatre training grounds, the dedication and high achievement standards set by the tutors appears to really get results.

 Of its many strengths, the musical theatre course has in its vocal training department an incredibly thorough grounding in harmonic technique and solid voice production. There seem to be so many great voices – well trained and up to West End Standards. The speed of learning difficult musical harmonies accurately is almost unmatched in my experience working in many of the major schools.

 The standard of acting is high and real, with excellent voice and accent awareness. Whilst the dance training may not be to virtuoso standards the students receive a well balanced, broad dance background which enables them to really perform most disciplines required by musical choreographers.

 One of the most noticeable features of the school is the progress changes made each year throughout the three year course. The third year students have tangibly more theatrical expertise than they had in their second year and the second years more than in their first. This development is obviously due to the nurturing of their natural talents and abilities.

 However, it is the personal attention and care which appears to nurture a particularly special and professional young performer ready to stand his/her own ground in any company that separates HTS from other colleges. Even if, at the end of training, a student should decide on another career direction, the communication and life skills taught at HTS, give a young person a great opportunity to achieve positive results in life.

 It is my great pleasure to associate my name with HTS and I look forward to my future visits with great anticipation.”

Jack Gunn Choreographer/Director/Teacher/Performer, Honorary Member IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) Former Accreditor with NCDTE (National Council Dance Training and Education) Resident/Dance Captain/Director for many years in West End, including Dance Captain of original British Company of A Chorus Line. Choreographer Director of major National Tours and International Productions Choreographed 20 musicals for The London Studio Centre. For many years regular member of Judges Panel for “The All England Dance Competition”

 

I've had the pleasure of traveling out to Hertfordshire Theatre School three or four times to see productions and have been delighted by the quality of the work on show, the welcoming theatre, the surprisingly easy journey and (most importantly) the air of professional and practical dedication shown by the performers. Maybe studying a little way out of the hothouse of the west end gives these young performers a more practical and grounded view of the world they wish to inhabit. I've spotted a number of very talented performers that I've recommended to casting people and directors. I hope to see their names in programmes across the Country soon - crediting HTS as their training ground.  Definitely worth a visit for a talent spotter, and worth checking out as a prospective place to study. Chris Grady, Licensing Manager for Cameron Mackintosh

 

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO WORK WITH THE STUDENTS OF HTS FOR A DAY ON AUDITION SONG TECHNIQUE...THEY WERE WONDERFUL...REAL PEOPLE FROM EVERY BACKGROUND, WHO SO WANTED TO LEARN...THEY LISTENED TO WHAT I HAD TO SAY, THEN A GREAT AND INTERESTING DISCUSSION FOLLOWED AFTER EACH STUDENT SHOWED ME THEIR CHOSEN SONG, WE  WORKED ON EACH ONE, AND NOT ONLY TOOK MY NOTES, BUT STARTED TO RECREATE THEMSELVES, WHICH WAS SO THRILLING FOR ME....I CAME AWAY ON SUCH A HIGH..I LEARNT SO MUCH FROM THEM THAT DAY, THAT I COULDN'T WAIT TO GET BACK ON STAGE MYSELF!!" Ria Jones, West End Leading Lady

........Thanks for a wonderful day at HTS. The support from the staff and the enthusiasm of the students was very refreshing. It is a long time since I have encountered such a well-disciplined class with the energy and passion required to throw themselves into whatever was asked of them. Ideas were embraced and contributed with equal measure, and I felt we had all learned a lot by the end of the day. It was fascinating to see the change between Guys & Dolls and JCS, with the information regarding the differing genres being accepted readily. Questions in the Q&A session were well considered, showing that they have taken on board the essential research requirement expected of all performers. In all a very satisfying session which I hope we may repeat in the future....Pete Gallagher (actor / director / writer, previously Head of Corona Academy of Theatre Arts , London W4 and Director of Musical Theatre at AES, Tring) 

Working with the Students at The Hertfordshire Theatre School was a rare treat. They were disciplined, committed, grounded and, above all, utterly charming. I was very impressed by their skills base and their attitude to working practices. Their professional conduct was exemplary; a credit to
both them and their teachers. Caroline Leslie, director

“I am always impressed by the way in which HTS nurtures each and every one of its students, helping them to realise their unique potential. When there are so many drama schools around, each with so many students, individual attention and support of this calibre is hard to find elsewhere.” Abigail Anderson, director.

The environment at HTS is without doubt the most friendly, enthusiastic and mutually supportive I have ever worked in. The students have a sense of belonging to the team the moment they join the school, and it seems to never leave them. Every aspect of the course is relevant to today's demands of an actor so the students leave totally ready to pursue their careers in the performing arts. Jacqui Ockwell, director/actress

It is a pleasure to work with the students at HTS – who, invariably, show great enthusiasm, inventiveness and versatility in a friendly, privileged and eclective environment. I have witnessed some quite outstanding work in a wide variety of productions and workshops. I look forward, hugely to contributing to future projects at this unique and progressive training ground. My very best wishes to all involved for further – well –deserved success. Sion Probert, director/actor

What I do like about HTS is that it's nice to work somewhere that doesn't foster illusions, and students learn that they have to make their own way to a large extent, and even create their own work.  I think there is a gutsy resourcefulness about the HTS product.    Richard Sims, actor and director.

Students at HTS are always a pleasure to work with . Scott Ritchie, dancer and choreographer.