The new year is in full swing, and we have had a brilliant couple of weeks welcoming our brand new first year group to our brand new HQ. Highlights so far have included a backstage tour at the Everyman, complete with theatre history and ghost stories, watching not one, not two, but three professional productions, learning about how a touring production comes to life (and losing £42,000 in the process – thankfully not real money), and working with the Everyman’s Creative Director Paul Milton to delve into one of Shakespeare’s most famous speeches.

The first years have also thrown themselves into the work experience programme, with students spending time in marketing and wardrobe at the theatre, as well as taking turns to shadow front-of-house staff. On top of that our regular weekly workshops with movement teacher Liz and vocal coach Ria have begun, as well as rehearsals for both the first year Variety Show (5th Nov) and the second year play – After Juliet by Sharman MacDonald (6th Nov) Both productions will take place in the Irving Studio at the Everyman Theatre, supported by the professional front-of-house and technical teams at the theatre.

Before we hit October half term, we have another two professional productions to watch, as well as more workshops, more work experience. Our second year students will also be working with photographer and film maker Neil Smith to create a short film which will act as a prologue to After Juliet. Look out for further updates!