We currently have 2 different opportunities for young people to get involved with, our Swing School or Summer Intensives. To read more, keep scrolling.
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Our 2026 Swing school and Summer intensives are held in SHEFFIELD!
Join our team along with West End professionals to learn how to be an all important SWING! Every West End/UK Tour has them and yet loads of people still have no idea of the importance of the role of a Swing.
So what is a swing? A swing refers to a member of the cast who understudies several ensemble roles. These ensemble roles are called "tracks." A swing performs if an ensemble member is out of the show or has to cover another role in the show, as many ensemble members also have understudy duties. This means a swing has to know multiple tracks ready to be “swung” in at any given moment.
This is a vital role in any cast and takes a special type of performer. It requires hard work, versatility and a fast brain to jump from track to track and character to character sometimes MID SHOW!
So what is Swing School? At Swing School, you’ll work with fantastic industry professionals who have experienced the demands of being a swing in a professional contract. Together, you’ll explore how swings work, the techniques they use to manage multiple roles, and how to stay adaptable, focused and ready for anything.
Across the day, you’ll learn choreography and scene work, building multiple tracks and developing the skills needed to switch between them with confidence. It’s fast-paced, challenging and incredibly rewarding—pushing you to use muscles you may not have tapped into before, all of which are essential for swing work, auditions and professional environments.
By the end of the day, you’ll have worked across several roles, strengthening your ability to stay sharp, adaptable and performance-ready at all times.
If you want to challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone and have a HUGE amount of fun… we’ll see you there!
Industry pros to be announced in due course over on our social media channels.
Open to ages 8-21yrs - currently we are oporating swing school on sporadic days throughout the year so keep an eye out.
SUMMER INTENSIVE
Join us for our infamous Summer Intensives, a week designed to mirror the pace, standard and expectation of professional training and the industry itself.
Across the week, performers will train in an immersive environment, working with hand-picked industry professionals and guest creatives from across acting, musical theatre, casting and beyond. These are not just classes, they are focused, high-level sessions designed to equip each performer with the tools, knowledge and confidence required for the industry.
Alongside their training, performers will take part in audition preparation, workshops, detailed skill sessions, personal feedback AND those who hold week passes will leave with professionally shot showreel material and two contrasting headshots, essential assets for anyone looking to audition and work professionally.
With Spotlight’s updated format placing greater emphasis on media, there’s never been a better time to refresh your profile. Our Summer Intensive offers the perfect opportunity to train at a high level while updating essential materials keeping your child’s Spotlight current, competitive and industry-ready.
We are proud that many of our Summer Intensive performers go on to secure professional work across theatre, TV and film through their elevated knowledge, practise and of course headshot and showreel tools. For those seriously considering a future in performance, this is an unmissable opportunity that continues to elevate year on year.
We offer five courses, carefully structured by age and discipline:
Week Pass Holders (Monday–Friday) : £240 total
Day Pass Holders (Monday–Thursday ONLY) : £40 per day
Week Pass holders require a £50 deposit, with the remaining balance due by 13/07/26. Week Passes will be released first to prioritise full-week bookings, so early booking is advised. Day Passes will be available from 01/07/26.
Week Pass Holders (Monday–Friday) : £300 total
Day Pass Holders (Monday–Thursday ONLY) : £50 per day
Week Pass holders require a £50 deposit, with the remaining balance due by 13/07/26. Week Passes will be released first to prioritise full-week bookings, so early booking is advised. Day Passes will be available from 01/07/26.
** Current management clients and Associates (March -July 2026) receive a discount for week passes ONLY.
Led by our core team alongside a rotation of guest industry professionals, every performer is pushed, supported and developed as an individual. We focus on building confident, adaptable performers who understand how to work in a room, respond to direction and bring their own ideas to the table.
Whether you’re looking to update your Spotlight materials, gain real industry insight, train at a higher level or surround yourself with like-minded performers, our Summer Acting and Musical Theatre Intensives are designed to deliver.
Most importantly, you’ll leave feeling inspired, challenged and part of something bigger, our SQUAD!
"The summer intensive was amazing. Joe gained so much in a short time with experience in his show reel and audition techniques that he is more determined than ever to make this his career. Thank you so much for all you support and guidance."
Mindset is a core part of our training and something we actively prioritise throughout the week.
The performing arts industry can feel unpredictable and, at times, overwhelming, bringing with it comparison, pressure and a lack of control. Our sessions are designed to give performers the tools to navigate this, building confidence, resilience and a stronger understanding of both themselves and the industry around them.
Through open and honest discussions, we explore how to manage auditions, rejection, self-doubt and expectations, while encouraging a healthy, grounded approach to training and performance. We focus on developing performers who not only have the skill to succeed, but the mindset to sustain and enjoy a long-term career.
Our aim is to create well-rounded, self-aware and resilient young professionals those who can walk into a room with confidence, trust their instincts and fully embrace the journey this industry offers. This is a morning practise at Summer Intensives and mirrors our work with the Associates Programme attendees.
Our Summer Intensives are designed to go beyond simply refining technique. Each day is structured to develop a deeper understanding of the industry, building confident, adaptable performers who are equipped with the tools, mindset and awareness needed to succeed. The training mirrors the pace, expectation and focus of a drama school environment, ensuring every session is purposeful, challenging and industry-informed. Led by our team and invited industry guests.
During the week, performers will work closely with a guest professional from their chosen field, spanning West End, TV and Film in one of our exclusive NPS masterclasses. Alongside practical training, there will be an opportunity to gain real insight through a dedicated Q&A, giving performers access to honest advice and first-hand industry experience.
A professional headshot is an essential part of any performer’s toolkit when submitting for auditions, working alongside your CV and showreel to represent you at your best. Throughout the week, we explore what makes a strong, industry-ready headshot understanding the difference between a simple photo and a casting tool. As part of the intensive, performers will receive professionally shot, high-quality images something that would typically cost upwards of £150
As part of the intensive, performers will take part in a professionally filmed scene, working alongside other actors to create authentic, industry-standard material. Each scene is carefully directed, shot and edited to ensure it reflects the performer at their best, resulting in high-quality footage ready for Spotlight and casting submissions.
This is an essential asset for any actor pursuing professional work, with showreel scenes typically costing upwards of £300. With Spotlight now favouring strong media, keeping your child’s profile up to date is more important than ever making this the perfect opportunity to train and refresh their materials in one go.
At Northern Prep Squad, we place huge value on feedback as a tool for growth within such a competitive industry.
Throughout the week, performers receive ongoing, in-the-moment guidance, culminating in a dedicated audition workshop on the Friday where they will put their skills into practice. Following this, each performer will receive detailed written feedback, designed to support their development and give clear, actionable insight into their strengths and areas for growth.
"My girls had a wonderful experience at the recent NP summer squad. It was intense but fun! They literally loved every day and learnt so much! I love the new headshots and can’t wait to receive the showreel. Thank you so much 😊"
Week Pass holders require a £50 deposit to secure your booking. The remaining balance will be invoiced via our Squad portal, giving you the flexibility to pay in instalments or in full at a time that suits you. We simply ask that the full balance is cleared no later than three weeks prior to the course start date.
Day Pass holders will pay in full at the time of booking via our website. Closer to the course, you will either be invited to join our portal, or if you are an existing member, the booking will be added directly to your account.
"Fantastic Summer School. Brilliant communication from start to finish. Well planned week not sure how you fitted it all in. Alana has enjoyed every minute and learnt so much. Jourdan and Jess you are stars, pushing the kids out of their comfort zone while still ensuring they have fun is a real skill ❤️❤️"
We believe that the performing arts is for everyone. If we can help you to fully access and be included in our sessions, taking into consideration any additional needs, please let us know. Do not hesitate to get in touch via email/phone to discuss how we can support you or your young performer.
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