Aspiring performers from Mansfield college get chance to learn from industry experts

Hip hop dance moves, using the voice, and the art of stage combat were just some of the skills practised by aspiring performers at West Nottinghamshire College during ‘industry week’.
By Shelley Marriott
Published 7th Jan 2022, 15:02 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2022, 15:56 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The four-day event was enjoyed by first and second-year performing arts students on acting and musical theatre pathways and welcomed a host of specialists and practitioners who taught the next generation of actors, singers and dancers a range of techniques and abilities required for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Simon Watt, programme area leader in performing arts, said: “It was fantastic to have industry week back again after being unable to host visiting professionals last year due to Covid restrictions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The chance to work with such a variety of people in a short space of time was hugely beneficial to our students’ industry knowledge.

Most Popular
Acting students demonstrate their ensemble work created with performance maker, writer, filmmaker and digital creative Dr Tom Payne (front, centre).Acting students demonstrate their ensemble work created with performance maker, writer, filmmaker and digital creative Dr Tom Payne (front, centre).
Acting students demonstrate their ensemble work created with performance maker, writer, filmmaker and digital creative Dr Tom Payne (front, centre).

“This range of practitioners and activities gives access to specialist sessions that aren’t always covered by the curriculum and is also a fun way to reward students for their hard work. We wholeheartedly thank all the people and organisations who gave up their time to come and work with them.

“Our Star Awards rounded off this very successful week, with 31 certificates presented to deserving students, ending the term in an incredibly positive and rewarding way.”

Read More
Young Mansfield entrepreneurs share their business success with college students...

The event kicked off with a dance workshop led by Jasmine Eccles from choreographic and talent development mentoring programme Xzibit Young Creatives as well as vocal workshops by trained speech and language therapist Florence Wainwright, a talk and presentation by Christopher Neil, education manager at Mansfield Palace Theatre, a creative session on how to make original new theatre around a particular topic by Dr Tom Payne, course leader on the BA (Hons) Acting and Performance degree programme at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and co-director of UK/Australian performance company Dopplegangster, Professional performer-turned-business teacher Nikita Bridgeman led two dynamic sessions exploring stage combat and the event concluded with the performing arts department's 'Star Awards', a celebration of achievement that saw many students recognised by their peers and tutors for their hard work during the term.

Support your Chad by becoming a digital subscriber.

You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience.

Click here to subscribe.

Related topics:Mansfield