UK - University Campus Oldham (UCO) and Oldham Coliseum Theatre are launching a Teaching Theatre Partnership that they say will "lead the way forward in offering the opportunity to study performance and technical theatre at university level, combined with experience within a professional repertory theatre".
Debbie Bridge, Head of University Campus, says: "We are very proud of the opportunity that we have created for students at University Campus Oldham. We offer 15 places on each course to generate the same experience you would have if you were part of a small theatre company, the resources we have are excellent and added to this we have the partnership with Oldham Coliseum to provide the dynamic of live theatre."
UCO offers two-year Foundation Degrees in Performance, and Technical Theatre, which can lead into the final year of the BA (Hons) at Huddersfield University. Those studying technical theatre they will get the opportunity to work behind the scenes on live productions at the Coliseum. Whilst performance students will for the first time be brought into live rehearsals so that they can shadow actors through their rehearsal process.
David Martin, Oldham Coliseum's executive director, says: "Building on our successful programme of work with young people, we are delighted that UCO will be involved in developing the Coliseum's Teaching Theatre model. Students will be given valuable opportunities to work alongside industry professionals and in one of the North West's leading regional theatres."
Abi Crayon knows how fortunate the students that study theatre in Oldham are; as a former UCO student she now co-manages her own touring company 2Tour Theatre, which is currently in residence at the university. Abi says: "The opportunity to study theatre in Oldham is very precious; you have two leading organisations in the field working side by side to ensure that students are exposed to the very best experience and training you could get."
To find out more about the courses run at UCO and the Teaching Theatre Partnership contact Paul Davies at the address below, or visit the website.
