Theatre link to give students industry experience

A partnership between a theatre and college will give students behind the scenes industry experience, said organisers.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre will team up with City of Wolverhampton College from September.

Students on performing and production arts courses would be able to take part in masterclasses from industry professionals and gain shadowing and work experience opportunities at its venue, the theatre said.

The college will also be included in the National Theatre schools tour of Bacchae, which is described as a new version of Euripides' ultimate tragedy brought to life through rhythm, movement and music.

"This new partnership with City of Wolverhampton College is an incredibly exciting and hugely beneficial way to help support the next generation of performers and theatre-makers by providing opportunities that would be otherwise unavailable to them," said Tim Colegate, the theatre's creative director.

"We're very much looking forward to collaborating with the staff and students."

The performance-related workshops will be linked to the syllabus and the theatre's programme.

Ahead of September, college students gain access to Grand Theatre's discounted tickets scheme, Sixteen25.

Louise Fall, the college's principal and chief executive, said the partnership between the two well-known local organisations was "great news" for current students and those who will join in the years to come.

She said: "Not only will it benefit those who are interested in working in the creative industry by giving them 'behind the scenes' access to a range of departments, but also those from across the wider college who will have access to a range of discounts and benefits to make theatre productions more accessible."

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