Beijing Dahua Musical Theatre Masterclass Concludes with Great Success!
Co-organised by LAMT musical, the Beijing Dahua Musical Theatre Masterclass wrapped up successfully in early May. This four-day intensive training programme featured esteemed West End director and choreographer Omar F. Okai. Vocal coaching was delivered by acclaimed musical theatre actress Ivy Pan (Pan Hangwei), lead performer of the Chinese version of The Phantom of the Opera. Together, the two distinguished tutors provided high-impact, international-level training that brought fresh vitality to performing arts education in Asia.
The atmosphere throughout the workshop was vibrant and dynamic. With rich, diverse content and an emphasis on hands-on learning, students not only made tremendous progress, but also left a deep impression on the tutors, who praised the potential and passion of Asia’s emerging talents.
A Professional Programme Balancing Creativity and Practical Skills
Held at the Beijing Dahua Urban Performing Arts Centre, the workshop followed a small-group model, with approximately 10 students per class to ensure personalised instruction. Participants were divided into two groups based on age and experience: the "Sparks Class" (ages 7–16) and the "Flourish Group" (17+). Each group received three days of intensive in-person training, and online live-streaming was offered for remote students to observe and engage with the course.
The fourth day featured a full-day rehearsal and final performance showcase, presented in a 1,000-seat theatre. For all involved, it was a milestone experience not to be forgotten.
West End Meets Asia: A Fusion of Stagecraft and Storytelling
Drawing on years of professional experience, Omar and Ivy guided students in exploring the full expressive range of musical theatre from a performer’s perspective. The curriculum covered:
- Audition simulation and character analysis
- Physical expression and stage presence
- Script interpretation and emotional delivery
- Core training in singing and dance
- Rehearsal technique and integrated performance
Dance Module
Omar introduced choreography from recent West End productions, crafting a world-class studio experience aligned with current global trends. Students learned numbers from a wide range of musicals—both classic and contemporary—including Hercules, Burlesque, Hamilton, Cabaret, Aladdin, Honk!, and The Great Gatsby, showcasing the genre’s rich diversity.
Vocal Module
Ivy provided training grounded in vocal science, integrating the three primary musical theatre styles: Mix, Belt, and Legit. Her instruction focused on interpretation, vocal control, and emotional nuance, helping students enhance both performance power and vocal stability. Song selections included hits from The Phantom of the Opera, Six, Hadestown, Moana, Les Misérables, and Wicked, among others.
Enthusiastic Response from Students, High Praise from Tutors
During the final showcase, students displayed astonishing growth and transformation within just a few days. Brimming with confidence, they took to the stage and shone brightly. Deeply moved, Omar shared:
“I’ve fallen in love with Asia all over again! This has been one of the most enjoyable workshops I’ve ever led—from meetings and communications with LAMT to the professional and respectful welcome I received in Beijing. What truly amazed me was the commitment and rapid progress of every single student. In just four days, each one became a better version of themselves. I’m truly looking forward to returning for future collaborations!”
Students likewise expressed their gratitude and emotion:
- “Workshops like this are incredibly rare in China!”
- “It’s not just about technical skills—it was a soul-opening experience.”
- “We’ll miss Omar so much—please come back!”
Advancing International Collaboration and Performing Arts Education
As a driving force for musical theatre development in Asia, LAMT musical remains committed to bringing in international expertise and resources. Our goal is to provide high-quality training platforms for local performing artists. We warmly welcome partnerships with theatres, cultural institutions, and educational organisations to foster cross-border artistic exchange and create broader international opportunities for creators.
If you are interested in this programme or future collaborations, please feel free to get in touch with us anytime!