Greenwich Musical Theatre Academy

2003 – 2007 As part of a major education strategy at Greenwich Theatre, Hilary created a new programme of musical theatre training for 14-23 year olds. Funded by the European Social Fund and by Youth Music and Arts & Business, this highly successful programme targeted BAME young people from deprived areas of South East London and was established in partnership with Trinity College of Music and GSA Conservatoire.

The idea was to offer conservatoire standard tuition in all disciplines with tutors drawn from industry so that young people with talent would get a superior training and be more likely to gain entry to drama school. It was effective but the primary lesson we learnt was that success depended on two things: confidence and resilience. The confidence to risk trying in the first place, and resilience to keep going when the rejections started. In 2004 the full-time course achieved accreditation at Level 3 with the Open College Network and was subsequently transferred to Greenwich Community College for mainstream delivery.

2013:  Making Theatre Gaining Skills

Making Theatre Gaining Skills was formed as a community interest company. An innovative approach to employability utilizing theatre production skills and integrating formal learning. Over 500 young people and adults across Hampshire, London, Hertfordshire and West Sussex have participated in the programme, gaining confidence, qualifications and a range of creative skills.  Currently funded by the DWP and based in Bognor Regis.

2016: Out of Time

Out of Time was a new musical researched, developed and filmed with Young Carers groups across West Sussex. With original music commissioned from Rebecca Applin and Susannah Pearce. A DVD of the completed musical was distributed with full learning pack to every secondary school in West Sussex.