Central Students Tour Production of 'Pentecost' to Derby Live

Central Students Tour Production of ‘Pentecost’ to Derby Live

On 26 and 27 November 2015, Musical Theatre students from Central returned once more to Derby for their fourth annual residency at The Guildhall Theatre and with their touring production of ‘Pentecost’.  Alongside the productions, Central ran a series of targeted workshops with area students, offered Q&A sessions about the process of applying for drama school, visited local colleges to discuss the benefits of further study and, more generally, showcased the breadth of degrees and careers on offer in the arts. 

Central’s relationship with schools and students in the Derby  area has grown exponentially year on year, with the University’s goal to establish a fully integrated and on-going collaboration with local Derbyshire schools.  Whilst reinforcing the value of arts and arts education, the project also helps to demonstrate the various career possibilities available within the creative sector.   Verna Rhodes, Head of Central Outreach, said:

“Alongside the opportunity to attend a performance in the beautiful surroundings of the Guildhall Theatre, Central’s tour to Derby provides local students with the chance to attend a preparation workshop with tutors from the School and a Q&A Session with the Student Cast, Production and Creative teams of ‘Pentecost’.  Our on-going relationship with the local schools and community in Derby is something of which we are immensely proud.  We believe that collaborative projects such as these not only provide clear benefit to our students, but that they add value to the English, Drama and Art & Design curriculum for students in Derby whilst raising awareness of the opportunities available in Higher Education.” 

Wendy Gadian, Principal Lecturer and Course Leader: Acting - Musical Theatre (BA) has overseen the project since its inception:

“This project is a wonderful opportunity for students, who are about to embark on a professional career, to perform in a professional theatre under touring conditions.  It is also a unique chance for a prestigious London drama school which draws on talent from all parts of the UK, to reach out and connect with areas outside London.  This type of project offers a platform for young actors to take their work back to the communities from which they grew, by which means to inspire and encourage the next generation of young performers.”