The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts opened in 1996 to forge a new approach to performing arts training. It was co-founded by our Lead Patron Sir Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty (LIPA's Principal), and is housed in his old school, which underwent a multi-million pound renovation to transform it into a state-of-the-art performing arts higher education institution.
Today LIPA has a reputation for being one of the UK's leading higher education institutions. LIPA provides education and training in performing arts, theatre and performance design and technology and management disciplines in a hands-on, collaborative environment.
LIPA offers degree courses in Acting, Community Drama, Dance, Music Theatre and Entertainment Management, Music, Sound Technology, Theatre and Performance Design and Theatre and Performance Technology. We also run full-time one year Foundation Certificates in Performing Arts (Acting); Performing Arts (Dance); Performing Arts (Singing); and Popular Music and Sound Technology.
We train students for a future of sustained employment. Most recent figures have shown that over the most recent four year period, 93% of LIPA’s graduates are in work three years after leaving, while 87% work in the performing arts. To achieve this, our curriculum is constantly being revised.