Young actor scheme joy for uni graduates
Two University of Sunderland performing arts graduates have secured their place on the first course of its kind in the North of England dedicated to actor training.
Sophie Butler and Kazia Pickering will soon start their training with Newcastle Theatre Royal’s “Project A” drama training programme, aimed at helping 18 to 25-year-olds serious about an acting career.
Having both achieved firstclassdegreesthissummer,they went through a rigorous audition process and were cast for the year-long initiative under the mentorship of actor and director Phil Hoffmann.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic having a sudden and substantial impact on the nation’s arts and cultural sector, Sophie and Kazia are determined to stick to their career goals. Sophie said: “I’m absolutely elated to have been accepted onto Project A, especially during these uncertain times. This opportunity will allow me to develop further – not only as a performer, but as an industry professional.
“Studying performing arts at Sunderland for three years prepared me for opportunities like this one and I’m so grateful to have all of the lecturers’ continued support.”
Ka z i a s a id : “My th re e years on the performing arts course has allowed me to gain so much confidence within myself for the acting industry and I’m so excited to begin my new chapter at Project A.” The programme engages industry professionals, renowned regionally, nationally and internationally, to work with the students for intensive weeks during the second term and masterclass sessions during term one.
The third term is dedicated to producing a full-scale piece of theatre and aims to deliver fresh and thought-provoking work.