A new partnership is set to shine a light on performing arts education in the district, as Calderdale College teams up with elite provider RAME College to launch an exciting new Performing Arts course.
The announcement comes as the Creative Industries continue to thrive in West Yorkshire, now home to 9,000 creative businesses contributing £2.3 billion to the economy. Calderdale itself has increasingly earned the reputation as the Hollywood of the North in recent years, hosting major productions such as Happy Valley and scenes from Marvel, which have further showcased the area as a growing hub for television and film.
Bringing together Calderdale College’s high-quality education and training with RAME College’s specialist expertise in professional performing arts, the collaboration will create new opportunities for aspiring performers in the region.
The new course has been designed alongside industry expert professionals at RAME College to nurture and develop local talent, equipping young people with the skills, confidence and insight needed to succeed in the professional industry.
Students will develop their skills across dancing, singing and acting and benefit from specialist tuition, professional workshops with leading artists and choreographers, and performance opportunities that reflect real-world industry expectations.
David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “At Calderdale College, we are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of the economic and social development of our local community. Launching this new Performing Arts course in partnership with RAME College is a powerful example of our commitment in action, by creating high-quality pathways for local talent to progress directly into the creative sector.
“As one of the fastest growing sectors in West Yorkshire, it is vital that we play our part in supporting its continued growth. By working alongside RAME College, we are strengthening our offer and ensuring we are meeting the needs of our region.”
Calderdale College is the largest provider of further education in Calderdale, offering a broad range of courses and apprenticeships for young people and adults. The College works closely with employers and partners across the region to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career.
Tori Robynn, Principal at RAME College, said: “At RAME College, we believe the next generation of performers deserve more than a formula. Our approach places the individual artist at the centre of their training, encouraging students to develop their own voice, creative identity and artistic courage.
“As a young and independent college, RAME is quickly building a reputation for doing things differently by nurturing performers who are not afraid to take risks, challenging expectations and bringing something genuinely new to the industry.”
RAME College is a specialist performing arts college based in Halifax, dedicated to delivering high-quality professional training in acting, musical theatre and performance. With a strong focus on industry standards and individual progression, the College prepares students for careers in the creative industries through small class sizes and a highly personalised approach to mentorship. Students are not simply trained to perform, they are supported to think, question, create and evolve as artists. At RAME, experienced industry professionals who are actively shaping the industry come together to provide a learning environment grounded in real artistic practice rather than classroom theory alone.
The new course is set to launch in September 2026, with spaces filling up fast. To find out more and apply, visit: https://www.calderdale.ac.uk/courses/extended-diploma-performing-arts-btec/
