Mountview and Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Announce New Musical Director Launch Pad

8 Apr 26

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation are thrilled to be working together to deliver a new Musical Director Launch Pad – a one-year, part-time, paid development opportunity providing aspiring Musical Directors an extended learning opportunity.

Musical Directors are central to the success of musical theatre yet there are currently few entry points into this career pathway, while financial, cultural and geographical barriers can also prevent talented musicians from progressing. This new Musical Director Launch Pad aims to bridge this gap, widening the talent pipeline into Musical Direction and supporting progression into further higher education and professional opportunities.

The successful Launch Pad participant will be embedded within Mountview’s Manchester CertHE Musical Theatre course for two terms, followed by a five-day residency at Mountview’s London campus. Under the regular mentorship of Musical Director Wendy Gadian, they will gain practical shadowing opportunities and progressive hands-on experience through rehearsal processes and musical theatre pedagogy.

Sally Ann Gritton, Mountview Principal and CEO:

“Mountview is thrilled to offer this launchpad opportunity as part of our commitment to opening networks and pathways for musical theatre practitioners of the future. Creating new opportunity drives us and this launchpad will create a bridge to success, enabling us to share our music expertise, experience and values with an early career future practitioner.”

Sarah Miller, Director of Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation:

“Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation is thrilled to empower a new generation of Musical Directors as they develop their craft under the expert guidance of Wendy Gadian and the Mountview team.”

Wendy Gadian, Musical Director and Launchpad Mentor:

“It has never been a more important time to invest in access, learning and career opportunities within the arts and particularly to direct this support throughout the regions of the UK. For many years the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has been at the vanguard of enabling and nurturing early career musical directors. I am very grateful to the Foundation for continuing their support and thrilled to be developing this unique and exciting new programme with the team at Mountview.”

 The application deadline for September 2026 is 26 June. For full details and to apply, visit mountview.org.uk/about/jobs.