As young people across the country wait to hear from universities with offers for study this autumn, production arts students at Middlesbrough College are celebrating offers for places at top drama schools including the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
Former Northfield School student Emily Baxter was accepted onto her first choice university, after being offered a place to study Technical Production in Stage and Screen at LAMDA.
The 19 year old sailed through the interview process having built up an extensive portfolio of work experience including a one year paid placement at Billingham Forum.
LAMDA is the oldest theatre school in the country and in recent years, over 98% of its stage management and technical theatre graduates have found work in their chosen field within weeks of graduation.
Emily explained why she chose to study Production Arts: “I initially studied A Levels at Stockton Bede Sixth Form but found this wasn’t right for me. I loved the theatre but didn’t want to be on stage so this course seemed the ideal match.”
Meanwhile former Trinity Catholic College student Lydia Holford is preparing for her interview to study Stage Management at LAMDA as well as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).
The 17 year old is on track to achieving triple distinction star in her studies, the highest possible grade. She has high aspirations to enter a career in the West End.
She said: “I’ve always enjoyed being a part of this industry and have worked at Middlesbrough Theatre since the age of 15 in a variety of roles including set production and sound management.
“Studying at Middlesbrough College has allowed me to take these skills to the next level, developing management skills when working on live shows.”
Production Arts is a diverse sector and students Britney Johnson and Jamie Nelson are hoping to enter careers in a completely different industry.
Britney has received an unconditional offer to study Entertainment Management at Leeds Beckett University, whilst Jamie has a conditional offer to study Event and Festival Management at Buckinghamshire University.
Both share a passion for music and gigging, and aspire to work in festival management. In a sector where industry knowledge is crucial, the pair have gained extensive work experience in live venues, local nightclubs and audio visual and lighting services.
And the university route is not the only option for production arts students, with Callum Priestley set to progress into an Apprentice Technician role at a local secondary school.
Claire Teesdale, Production Arts Lecturer and Theatre Manager said: “It’s fantastic to see all of our students going on to such great destinations.
“Production Arts is a varied subject and this is reflected in the range of courses our students are progressing into.
“There are only five Level 3 students in their second year of studies on this course meaning they all get the chance to get considerable experience in our commercial theatre.
“We put on eleven productions throughout the year giving students the chance to develop skills in prop making, theatrical makeup, set design and stage management.”
View our Production Arts course and apply here.