THE SPOTLIGHT shone on current and recently graduated Performing Arts degree students from Rugby College when they presented their original work at an esteemed theatre in the second city.
The students were invited by the Birmingham REP Theatre to show off their skills as part of the theatre’s new writing initiative, Scratch Day.
At The REP’s Baroness Floella Benjamin Young REP Hub, final year student Bryn Richards shared an excerpt of his dissertation piece, Soulmates, a thought-provoking and emotional work exploring themes around assisted dying.
Combining personal anecdotes and contemporary social issues, the performance moved audiences and was met with valuable feedback from REP Associate Directors and key figures from the theatre’s Creative Learning and Talent Development teams.
Bryn’s team includes second-year student Elliot Donovan, and recent Performing Arts graduates Sky-Bleu Rosser-Harris and Kelise Foster.
Sky-Bleu brought experience as both an actor and writer, while Kelise had previously starred as Ophelia in a Shakespearean monologue showcase at the Birmingham Hippodrome, organised by the acclaimed Mawa Theatre Company – the UK’s first all-Black, all-female Shakespeare company representing women of the African diaspora.
The REP will now support Bryn and his team as they continue to develop the piece for future performances.
The collaboration between Rugby College and the theatre is part of a strategy to bridge the gap between education and industry, which aims to equip students with real-world experience, mentorship, and the confidence to pursue professional creative careers.
Liam Clarke, Head of School for Creative Arts at Rugby College, said: “We are excited about how our new relationship with the REP offers our graduates invaluable mentorship. And we are delighted to support students with their ambitious plans.
“Resilience, determination and a do-it-yourself attitude is so important when seeking work in the entertainment industry, and our students’ entrepreneurial drive is something we foster and encourage.”
