Performers College Essex

Across both sites we have 23 professional dance studios – 18 at Corringham and five at Rayleigh. Every studio features Harlequin Cascade floors, full-height wall mirrors, ballet barres, and state-of-the-art speaker systems, and all are used for a wide range of dance styles and musical theatre, as well as rehearsals and some lectures.

Between our two sites we have five Black Box acting studios – two at Corringham and three at Rayleigh. All are fully equipped with professional sound, film, and lighting, and can be configured for solo or group acting classes, rehearsals, and more.

Our five dedicated vocal studios at Corringham are purpose-designed for vocal training, tutorials, and rehearsal. Each room contains a piano, small mixer, and mirrors, and all five are fully soundproofed and air-conditioned.

Our professional-standard film studio at Rayleigh gives students hands-on experience of industry-grade equipment and software, with the opportunity to work both in front of and behind the camera.

Developed in 2023, our rehearsal and production space at Rayleigh is a multifunctional venue designed to replicate a professional performance environment. It can be used for classes, rehearsals, and performances, and is equipped with the latest industry-standard technology.

Our fully equipped gym at Corringham is free for all students to use Monday–Saturday, complemented by a dedicated tumble area used for gymnastics classes and tumbling training.

Our Corringham campus has a dedicated study space with over 20 PCs for student use, alongside a library and computer suite with a further 25+ machines and a selection of books available on campus. Both spaces are used for tutorials, lectures, and independent study.

Our Mac suite at Rayleigh contains Apple Silicon and Intel Macs available for all students to use, each loaded with licensed software including Adobe, DaVinci, and Logic.

Both sites have student communal areas – relaxed spaces to unwind, socialise, or grab a snack between sessions, with plenty of seating and vending machines. At Corringham, Piroueat café serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, and healthy lunch options Monday–Friday. The Corringham site also has a large car park with parking available for staff and students.

Essex has a strong performing arts scene right on your doorstep. The Towngate Theatre in Basildon – just ten minutes from campus – hosts drama, musicals, comedy, and an annual pantomime season, and is home to our end-of-year productions. The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend is the largest purpose-built performing arts venue in the county, presenting over 300 shows a year including West End touring productions, ballets, and concerts. The Palace Theatre, a beautifully preserved Edwardian building, offers intimate performances and local productions year-round. And when you're ready for something bigger, London's West End is under an hour away – 39 theatres, world-class shows, and generous student discounts.

For a night out closer to home, Basildon, Southend, and Rayleigh all have a thriving local scene with venues like Unit 7 and The Loft. The Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre in Southend, the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, and the Towngate Theatre in Basildon all programme evening shows worth catching. Cinema options include Curzon Colchester, Cineworld Basildon, and Odeon Southend. When you want something on a bigger scale, London's Shoreditch, Camden, and the West End are within easy reach by train – and there's a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in both London and Essex renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Essex puts two of the UK's biggest shopping destinations within easy reach. Lakeside Shopping Centre has over 240 shops, restaurants, and leisure attractions including Apple, Zara, Hollywood Bowl, and Puttshack. Bluewater, just across the Thames, is the fourth largest shopping centre in England with 330 shops and restaurants. For everyday needs, Corringham town centre has Morrisons and Co-Op within walking distance of campus, while students at Rayleigh have ASDA, Sainsbury's, and Tesco Local close by. [Photo: © Editor5807 Licence]

Essex and its surrounds offer a genuinely varied food scene to suit every budget. Lakeside has a good range of restaurants, while the seaside towns of Leigh-on-Sea and Southend are known for their independent cafés and restaurants. London is always an option for a proper treat-night dinner, with every cuisine imaginable on offer. [Photo: © Dunk (Flickr) Licence]

Essex has plenty of green space to clear your head between training sessions. One Tree Hill in Langdon Hills Country Park is a popular spot for walks and picnics, and the village of East Tilbury offers a quieter escape. The county's coastline is never far away – you're around 20 minutes from the beach – and if you're feeling adventurous, the Lee Valley White Water Centre is well worth a visit. [Photo: © Rept0n1x Licence]