STUDENTS from Priestley College now make up more than 10% of those accepted onto one of the UK’s leading theatre production courses.
Dave Roxburgh, Course Leader for Theatre Production at Guildford School of Acting, said Priestley College’s backstage talent had impressed him.
He said: The course regularly recruits students from Priestley College. GSA regard their students as both highly motivated and well prepared for professional training. As of October 2018, Priestley graduates represent over 10% of the students at the GSA production programme.
“The connection between Priestley and GSA is now well established and I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”
Every year dozens of young performers reach the country’s top theatre schools after studying A-Levels and BTECs in dance, drama and musical theatre at Priestley.
Now that success is being replicated behind the scenes as those students with a passion for sound mixing, lighting and set construction are also stealing some of the limelight.
Tutor Mark Edgington said the opportunities to stage their own productions was setting Priestley students apart from their peers.
“The talent on stage is matched by the professionalism and skill of our production artists,” he said.
“They are confident enough by the end of their time at college to manage the production of a performance with little, if any, guidance from tutors.”
Among those in this year’s cohort who are aiming to study at Guildford School of Acting is Aaron Cartwright.
The former Irlam and Cadishead College pupil said: “I am hoping to go on to become a sound operator and work on shows across the world.
“The opportunities I’ve had at Priestley have put me in good standing for university and I hope the lessons from both will enable me to achieve my goal in the industry.”
