Whitehall College Agency

The College has its own Agency, which provides a service for students whilst training and also facilitates post-graduates gaining employment. Advice is given on the quality and suitability of contracts offered. The British Actors Equity is the main performing arts union in the UK. All students may join Equity as a student member at the start of the course. At the end of the course students are encouraged to accept Equity approved contracts. Working before a ‘live’ audience is one of the most important aspects of the course and students have several opportunities to perform in this way each term. Many graduates have gone on to work in the West End and many more are traveling the world working in television, theatre and in cruise liner entertainment. Professional Employment We recognise how important it is to prepare students as thorough as possible for the world of work. The Performing Arts industry is very demanding and highly competitive, and we address this challenge with a series of planned strategies. The Whitehall Agency Each student is represented and whenever a suitable opportunity arises for work experience, they will be actively encouraged to participate. The agency enjoys excellent working relationships with production companies, built up over many years, and we are frequently contacted with offers of work for students. However, in order to avoid any disruption to studies only short-term contracts providing relevant experience are considered. Presentation Each student is required to compile a curriculum vitae, complete with photographs, and this is regularly updated to ensure that we can respond quickly whenever professional opportunities occur. Auditions Audition technique is covered as an integral element of the three-year study course and mock auditions are regularly staged during the final year. For graduating students, the Agency is able to arrange auditions for the leading West End shows, and for film and television products.