Live in Lockdown: Performing Arts Workshops

As we find ourselves in another lockdown, our staff are more determined than ever to ensure that the latest restrictions don’t have a negative impact on our students. It is more important than ever to ensure that they remain motivated, inspired and engaged with their studies to ensure that they can make the most of their time with us and reach their full potential.

Our Performing Arts Department has organised a fantastic programme of virtual sessions with a wide range of industry experts, covering all areas of performance over a period of two days.

On 14^th and 15^th January, they will be running a series of four workshops each day, including dance workshops, musical theatre workshops, acting workshops and a Q & A about working in the West End.

The sessions are run by a mixture of people including successful former students and other industry experts:

Workshop 1 

Former student Amy Dullenty, who studied BTEC Extended Diploma Performing Arts, is currently in her third year of the BA Hons Dance Performance and Teaching at UCLAN. She has been the youth company leader for Preston Youth Dance and will be delivering a contemporary style dance workshop.

Workshop 2 

Musical Theatre Workshop, delivered by part of the Schools’ and Colleges’ Liaison department at LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts), which will focus on learning part of a routine and song and performing to the camera.  

Workshop 3 

Acting for the Camera, lead by Sarah Jane Buckley, a theatre and tv actress, award-winning cabaret singer and performer. She is well known for her portrayal of Kathy Barnes in Hollyoaks, as well as the national tours of Gary Barlow’s “Calendar Girls” and “Blood Brothers”.

Workshop 4 

Commercial Dance Workshop run by Megan Walters, an ex-student of BTEC Performing Arts and a graduate from LIPA.  She now runs her own dance company and works in the dance industry.

Workshop 5

Sarah Jane Buckley will be running a further session, an Acting Through Song workshop.

Workshop 6

West End performer, Ellena Vincent was working as part of the cast of Hamilton up until theatres closed. She will be running a practical session, teaching an extract from Hamilton, followed by a Q & A about working in the West End.

Workshop 7

Former A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies student and successful actor, Andy Rush who’s credits include Wizards Vs. Aliens (2012), Waterloo Road (2006) and Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This (2014), will be running a session working in the industry as a professional actor.  This will cover topics such as how the industry works with regards to getting employment, what to be aware of when using agents to gain employment and professional etiquette, students will also have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

Workshop 8 

Megan Walter will be running another Commercial Dance Workshop.

This fantastic range of workshops will give students a real insight into careers within the industry as well as some fantastically fun practical sessions to hone their skills.