Jack Bennett
Jack Bennett is a musical director, pianist and arranger with a diverse career across theatre, recording sessions, concerts, television and educational projects worldwide. His MD and conducting work spans both live and studio contexts - from revivals and new musicals to pantomimes and cabarets - with highlights including the London Palladium, the Edinburgh Fringe and Abbey Road Studios. 2026 marks Jack’s fifth year tutoring at the NODA Theatre Summer School. For the most up-to-date information about his work, visit jackwbmusic.com.
Session: The Magic of Menken
Alan Menken’s music has defined modern musical storytelling – from Little Shop of Horrors through the Disney golden era of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hunchback and Hercules, to the later triumphs of Newsies, Sister Act, Enchanted and Tangled. His songs brim with heart, humour and humanity across a wide spectrum of styles.
This triple-threat course is led by NODA Theatre Summer School returning tutors; Theatre Director and Choreographer, Jordan Langford and Musical Director, Jack Bennett, and will celebrate Menken’s gift for storytelling. You’ll integrate acting, singing and movement to bring his worlds vividly to life, building versatility across musical theatre styles through exercises, character-driven scenes, and ensemble work. Inspired by his career across stage and screen, you’ll also explore the detailed, precise work of recording studio performance, refining vocal and dramatic choices in ways that translate to recorded or filmed contexts.
This week is dedicated to process: deepening technique, fine-tuning performance decisions, and discovering how detail, truth and style combine to elevate musical theatre storytelling.
Throughout the week, participants will:
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Build stylistic versatility using Menken’s work: Broadway belt, pop lyricism, gospel, vaudeville-flavoured comedy, and learn how style serves character
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Develop your storytelling using rehearsal techniques to unlock clear, heartfelt choices through acting, song and movement
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Explore how Menken’s material shifts between screen and stage, and what that means for performance choices
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Experiment with the precision and focus of studio performance – honing vocal and dramatic detail in character-driven work
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Work in solo and ensemble contexts, with tailored feedback from two West End creatives
Join us for a joyful, process-led week celebrating one of musical theatre’s most inspiring storytellers, designed to help experienced performers take their craft to the next level.