Backstage Production Arts students from Stratford-upon-Avon College are celebrating receiving offers to a range of higher education institutions to continue training for their dream careers.
Students are ecstatic to have already received offers from their top choices for university and drama schools, with destinations including the Academy of Live Technology, Pinewood Studios, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
The students have trained on the Backstage Production Arts course for two years developing a range of skills related to the theatre and Live Events industry and had the chance to both explore and focus on a specialty.
Edie Heyes, 17 from Solihull, will be studying Live Events Production at the Academy of Live Technology. Edie realised that though she loved the backstage elements, working in theatre wasn’t for her: “It was at college working on both music and theatre projects that I realised I preferred working on Live Music events. I love going to concerts and gigs and realised that was the career I wanted.”
Lucy Dutton, 17 from Leamington Spa and Emila Hill, 18 from Warwick are both planning to study a Level 4 in Art & Design at the prestigious Pinewood Studios, known for producing films including almost every film in the James Bond franchise plus the Star Wars sequel trilogy and numerous Marvel films. Both are interested in Set Design as a career. Lucy commented: “I came to college to learn about everything Tech Theatre and it allowed me to find my passion of Set Design. The course has prepared me for this next step as it has given me more skills, developed my confidence and allowed me to collaborate with other students and departments.” Emilia is excited for this next step: “I’m excited to try something different, for new opportunities and to be working in industry surrounded by professionals.”
Caspian Stay, 17 from North Aston, will be attending the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on the Stage Management course. Caspian had always done theatre growing up but realised it was the backstage activities – making it happen – which was the most interesting part. The course at college allowed her to find out that Stage Management was the career she wanted and prepared her for taking this next step: “I was really shy, but I was made to feel supported in such a great environment. It gave the confidence to make me believe I could do it and the freedom to explore all the different roles available.”
Charlie Green, 20 from Leamington Spa will be studying a Production Technologies & Stage Management degree at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama. Charlie originally studied A-Levels but didn’t feel it was right for him, so made a change: “It was a gamble for me, joining this course after doing A-Levels. But it was the right choice. I have loved being able to collaborate on shows and with other teams in real theatres. I had so much support from all the lecturers. It all prepared me for this next step.” He is excited to move to university: “It is such a prestigious training place, I thought it was out of reach. But I am so happy all my hard work has paid off.”
Lecturer, Louise Millward, is proud of the students’ achievements: “While studying in Year 2 students’ focus is about development for their next steps, learning interview techniques and applying this into application for their shows. This preps them well for their interviews for uni and drama school. They also continue to develop both practical and theory skills working towards their chosen specialisms. I am super proud of the current second year students and how well they have all adapted and developed over their two years. I want to wish them all the luck in the world for their next steps.”
