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Drama students take pride in theatre show production

13/02/2017

Six first year students from the University of Wolverhampton have been treading the boards recently when they staged a theatre production at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton.

The Musical Theatre and Drama degree students, studying at the University’s Performance Hub at Walsall Campus, staged a performance of two scenes from award winning play, The Pride, which was written by British writer Alexi Kaye Campbell. The story focuses on the ‘then and now’ in two eras through the eyes of two sets of characters, exploring society’s attitudes towards homosexuality.

The students produced, directed and acted in the performance, having input into the set design and costumes.

Jack Wylie, Producer, 18 from Willenhall, said:  “The play focuses on some very mature themes and this was quite challenging for us – especially for the actors.  It’s extremely important for students to get experience in a live theatre environment and to get to grips with more practical work – not just in acting, but in all the other roles that make a production happen – directing, stage managing as well as backstage co-ordination.

“Getting the opportunity to practise what we’ve learned on the course in a working theatre – putting our theory into practice – is a real bonus for us.”

Claire Hampton, Drama Course Leader and Lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Students auditioned for the parts so it really was like a real life experience from the start of the process.  Offering them the chance to explore these opportunities is a vital part of what they learn on the course.  It’s been an amazing experience for them and it has been great to watch them grow as they rehearse.

“As well as being a part of the University’s LGBT month celebrations, the project really fits in with the theoretical framework of the course and fits well with our inclusivity.  We want to ensure that our students think bigger than the course and we aim to teach them how to operate within an industry framework as well as equipping them with both theory and practical skills.”

Students involved in the production were Sarah-Jane Clarke (Stage Manager), Courtney Taylor (Actor), Jack Wylie (Producer), Corey Tobin (Actor), Anthony Gallagher (Actor), Catinca Untaru (Assistant Director) supported by Claire and Demetris Zavros, Drama Lecturer.

Anyone interested in studying Performing Arts at the University of Wolverhampton should check out the website for more information about the range of courses.

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ENDS

Photographs courtesy of Jack Wylie.

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.

Date Issued: 14th February 2017

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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