Show must go on for students
Students at Sunderland University are working online with some of the UK’s leading theatre figures to keep the show going during the coronavirus crisis.
Each year, a collaboration between Newcastle’s Live Theatre and the university offers second year performing arts students access to the venue and interviews with actors and writers.
Because of the impact of coronavirus, the module is moving online and has so far secured the support of playwrights Lee Hall, Willy Russell, Shelagh Stephenson and actor Brian Lonsdale – and all will be working directly with the students next term through live interviews.
Dr Adelle Hulsmeier, senior lecturer in performing arts is working with Live Theatre associate Director Max Roberts – also a visiting professor of theatre studies at the university – to move the ‘Page to Stage’ module online.
She said: 'Working out alternative delivery for any module is not easy, so we are extremely excited that not only are we able to offer the students something close to original delivery but we are able to actually go beyond this in engaging such prestigious industry figures to influence and underpin the work.
“We have always had such a great relationship with with Max and Live Theatre. We are excited to get started.”
Max added: “I'm delighted to confirm that Willy Russell, Lee Hall and Shelagh Stephenson have agreed to make a contribution to the BA (hons) Performing Arts course this coming Autumn.
"Their vast experience and outstanding achievements in writing for stage and screen will provide a unique and valuable insight into the Industry and give an unprecedented profile to our work at the University of Sunderland.”
He added: “Joining them for the special online live interviews will be Olivier Hannah and Elijah Young, two young and fast developing writing talents currently under commission from Live Theatre.
"They will bring great diversity to our season of guest interviews and I believe our students will find an immediate identification with these younger talented writers who have recently entered the profession.”