Alra
E-commerce Platform. Secure Checkout. Database Management. Google Tag Manager. Storefront Enhancement.
Project Brief
Redesign and relaunch of ALRA’s website to reflect its elite conservatoire identity, promote full-time and part-time drama training across two campuses, and streamline application and audition processes. The redesign aims to spotlight student experiences, notable alumni, and widening-access initiatives.
The Opportunity
As a prestigious drama school with a strong reputation for conservatoire-style training, ALRA needed a modern, accessible digital platform to reflect its dual-campus identity and attract diverse talent from across the UK and beyond. There was a clear opportunity to streamline the application and audition process, promote outreach programs, and spotlight the success of its alumni to better engage prospective students and industry partners.
The Solution
A complete redesign of ALRA’s website was implemented to enhance user experience, particularly for students researching courses, booking auditions, or applying for bursaries. The platform was restructured to clearly separate content by course type and location, while also integrating features like online applications, a dynamic news feed, and an alumni showcase. The visual identity was updated to align with ALRA’s professional, forward-thinking ethos, and mobile-first design ensured accessibility across devices.
Software Stack
- Joomla: An open-source content management system (CMS) used to manage website content, extensions, and user access.
- MySQL: A relational database system used to store and manage site data such as content, user information, and configuration settings.
- Bootstrap: A responsive frontend framework that simplifies the development of mobile-first web designs using pre-built CSS and JS components.
- Google Tag Manager: A tool that allows for easy implementation and management of marketing and analytics tags without direct code editing.
- Google Analytics: A powerful analytics platform used to track and analyze user behavior, traffic sources, and site performance metrics.
- Google Hosted Libraries: A CDN service that serves popular open-source libraries (like jQuery or Angular) from Google's servers for faster load times and better caching.
Core Features of the Platform
- Comprehensive listings for BA, MA, MFA, Foundation, and short courses
- Dedicated pages with curriculum overviews, entry requirements, and audition info
- Integrated application forms with file uploads for headshots, CVs, and self-tapes
- Clear separation and filtering of content for ALRA South (London) and ALRA North (Wigan)
- Dynamic content highlighting graduate achievements, press features, and awards
- Optimized for mobile devices and tablets
- Structured metadata and schema for search visibility
Mobile First Approach
Recognizing that many users browse on mobile devices, the website was designed with a mobile-first approach, ensuring:
- Built with a mobile-first CSS strategy ensuring optimal layout across devices
- Prioritizes readability and navigation on small screens
- Quick access to key sections like Courses, Apply, and Campuses
- Lightweight assets and performance-tuned pages reduce bounce rates
- Swipeable carousels, expandable sections, and gesture-friendly media embeds
The Result
The relaunch of ALRA.co.uk delivered a significantly improved user experience, aligning the digital presence of the Academy of Live & Recorded Arts with its status as a leading UK drama school. Prospective students can now easily explore courses, book auditions, and apply online, all within a responsive, mobile-friendly environment. The platform successfully highlights ALRA’s outreach work and alumni achievements, contributing to increased engagement, improved application flow, and enhanced visibility for both campuses.
Key Metrics
- Increase in completed online applications across all course types (BA, MA, MFA, Foundation)
- Improvement in session duration and mobile form completion
- Measurable increase in registrations via self-tape and in-person audition booking forms
- Boost in newsletter sign-ups, contact form submissions, and campus tour registrations
- Increase in social sharing and referral traffic from alumni success stories and blog content
- Increase in visits to the alumni section as a measure of brand credibility and community interest
Conclusion
ALRA’s updated website reflects its commitment to accessibility, artistic excellence, and modern professional training. By placing usability, clear communication, and mobile-first design at the heart of the project, the platform effectively supports the academy’s recruitment and outreach goals. As the institution continues to evolve, ALRA.co.uk stands as a scalable, future-ready platform that reinforces its identity and impact within the performing arts sector.