Anyone looking for musical theatre lessons is usually looking for more than just technique. They’re looking for a place where they can grow – both artistically and as a person. A place that takes their passions seriously. A place that helps them progress.
The Ahrensburg Musical Theatre School is exactly that: one of the few schools in the Hamburg region that combines singing, dance and acting equally and professionally under one roof. No course that neglects any one discipline. No lessons that compartmentalise subjects. Musical theatre – just as it works on the big stage.
What are musical theatre lessons – and why is the combination so crucial?
Musicals bring together three disciplines: singing, dancing and acting. Anyone who masters only one of these is only half the story. Those who combine all three can achieve what makes a musical special: telling a story that moves the audience.
At the MSA, we work with this combination right from the start. Even the youngest pupils experience how movement and voice go hand in hand. Young people learn not only to act a role, but also to sing and dance. Adults discover how the three disciplines reinforce one another.
Who are musical theatre classes at the MSA for?
Children aged 3 and over
Children are natural performers. They sing, dance and play roles – quite naturally. Our children’s courses build on precisely this and provide a structured framework for this natural creativity. Playful, age-appropriate and without pressure.
Musical Mini Movers (ages 3–6): First experiences of singing and dancing, playful role-play, rhythm and movement.
Musical Kids (ages 6–10): Advanced course featuring choreography, voice training and introductory scene work. Goal: the first performance.
Young people aged 11 and over
For many young people, musical theatre is more than just a course. It is a place where they can express themselves, meet like-minded people and work on real projects. The MSA offers this space – with serious tuition and genuine performance experience.
Musical Teens (aged 11–14): In-depth training in all three disciplines: vocal training, scene work and ensemble work.
Musical Adults (aged 15 and over): Advanced musical theatre training with a focus on performances, productions and – for the ambitious – professional careers.
Adults – Beginners and Advanced
Musical theatre classes for adults are not just a side activity. At the MSA, we take them seriously. Whether as a creative outlet from everyday working life, a chance to rediscover an old passion, or targeted training for entrance exams – our adult courses provide the ideal setting.
No minimum level, no upper age limit. What matters is a love of musicals and the desire to improve.
What do you learn in musical theatre classes at the MSA?
- Singing: Voice training, breathing techniques, song interpretation, musical theatre singing (belting, legit, mix), ensemble singing and solo singing
- Dance: Musical theatre dance, jazz, tap dance, choreography, body awareness and stage presence through movement
- Acting: improvisation, character development, scene work, monologues, voice and speech training, facial expressions and gestures
Our tutors – active stage professionals, not just educators
What sets the MSA apart from other courses in the region: our tutors perform on stage themselves. They have engagements at German and international theatres, in touring productions and on cruise ships.
The school was founded in 2014 by Jacqui Dunnley-Wendt and Hauke Wendt. Jacqui is an internationally sought-after director, choreographer and teacher – trained at the Urdang Academy in London, with many years of international stage experience.
Real stage experience – not just practising, but performing
- Our own musical productions such as ‘Ritter Rost’ at the Alfred-Rust-Saal in Ahrensburg
- Anniversary shows with hundreds of audience members
- Ahrensburg Town Festival and Altonale Hamburg
- Hamburg Central Station
- ICMT – International Music Theatre Competitions
The journey at the MSA – from the first taster session to professional training
First trial lesson → Weekly course → First performances → Productions → Support & APT → Training / Career
The MSA’s entrance exam preparation course (APT) provides targeted preparation for entrance exams at art and music colleges. The MSA is recognised by the state of Schleswig-Holstein as a preparatory course for vocational training.
Why take musical theatre lessons at the MSA – and not elsewhere?
- A genuine combination: singing, dance and drama given equal weight and taught to a professional standard
- Active stage professionals: All tutors perform regularly on stage themselves
- Real performances: Every group works towards performances
- A long-term journey: From the taster session to preparation for further training
- Community: People stay at the MSA because of a sense of belonging, not just the lessons
Easily accessible from the Stormarn region and Hamburg
The Ahrensburg Musical School is centrally located in Ahrensburg, at Bogenstraße 47. Easily accessible from Bargteheide (approx. 10 mins), Großhansdorf (approx. 10 mins), Trittau (approx. 15 mins), Ammersbek (approx. 10 mins) and Hamburg-Volksdorf / East Hamburg (approx. 15–20 mins).
Frequently asked questions about musical theatre lessons
Do I need any previous experience?
No. Our courses are structured so that complete beginners can join just as easily as those with previous experience.
From what age are musical theatre classes available?
From as young as 3 years old in the Musical Mini Movers. For older children, teenagers and adults, there are separate age-appropriate courses.
What sets the MSA apart from a music or dance school?
At the MSA, we combine all three disciplines into authentic musical theatre lessons. These are taught by active stage professionals – no other school in Ahrensburg can offer this in this way.
Can my child prepare for entrance exams?
Yes. Our entrance exam training (APT) provides targeted preparation for entrance exams at art and music colleges.
When can I book a taster lesson?
We offer taster lessons twice a year: at the end of January and in the summer (August).