Stage set for performers
ACADEMY AND COLLEGE JOIN FORCES TO DEVELOP DRAMA AND DANCE SKILLS
Budding young performers in Sunderland are set to get the chance to develop and showcase their skills as part of a new partnership between two education providers.
Sunderland College has linked up with Thornhill Academy to set up a drama and dance company for more than 20 pupils.
The group gets together every Wednesday afternoon at the school, in Thornholme Road, Sunderland.
The initiative will run until the end of the academic year, when the youngsters will star in a final performance at the college’s Arts Academy Theatre.
Sheree Rymer, curriculum manager for creative arts at Sunderland College, said: “The interest from schools wanting to work in partnership with us to ensure the arts are represented in the curriculum offer has been overwhelming.
“It is a clear indication that keeping curriculum ac- ademically focused does not cater for those students who want to broaden their skills.
“With this new partnership, the college is attempting to bridge that gap.”
The pupils taking part in the drama workshops are rehearsing for the musical Blood Brothers.
Dance lecturer Lauren Robinson is delivering the dance workshop at Thornhill Academy.
She said: “I am very impressed with the standard and talent so far – the students have demonstrated individuality and confidence and have all expressed their excitement towards the final dance performance in May.
“It is an excellent opportunity to work in partnership with local secondary schools as it offers a new lifeline for dance in education.”