Students’ day of war-based work
PERFORMING Arts students at Edge Hill University have dipped their toes into the world of business by helping to commemorate Armistice Day.
The students performed a number of vocal and contemporary dance performances in response to a business brief from The World of Glass in St Helens.
Double Edge Musical Theatre group Edge FWD, and 3rD Edge Dance Company, created a series of mini-performances reflecting on World War I, the Battle of the Somme and the women left behind in wartime.
It’s the second year the students have taken a project brief from the museum and delivered a day of performance, this time chosen to fall on Armistice Day.
Ron Helsby, executive director of The World of Glass, said: “The team at Edge Hill made the possibility of this taking place in our venue easy to put into practice.
“The students were open to our needs, views and ultimately gave us a quality performance.
“The enthusiasm of the students, consideration for our visitors, and respect for the theme of the performance material was equalled by their enormous talent and joy of performing.”
Karen Jaundrill-Scott, director of external affairs and employability at Edge Hill University, said: “This project has helped the students gain real employability skills.
“They’ve had to manage a live project brief, liaise with Ron and other members of staff at the museum and ultimately deliver a professional dance and vocal performance.
“The World of Glass is a member of our Employers Advisory Panel which brings together arts-based businesses, theatres and museums to offer the best experiences and opportunities for our students.
“This project with The World of Glass demonstrates how partnerships between the university and businesses can benefit everyone, the students, local businesses and the wider community.”
Double Edge performed I miss the Music from Brass, a World War I musical about members of the Leeds Pals Battalion who went over the top at the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.
They also performed Flight by Craig Carnelia and Gravity/Run to You arranged by Jonathan Reid Gealt.
Edge FWD and 3 rD Edge performed Cherry Pops and Frozen Snow by Sally Marie and Lost in Thought by TJ Lowe, – two contemplative female-led dances.