The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Returns for Residency at Derby Live!

On 26 and 27 November 2014, Musical Theatre students from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Central) will return to Derby for their third annual residency at Derby Live and their touring production of 'The Man of Mode'. Alongside the productions, the performers will run a series of targeted workshops with area students, offer Q&A sessions about the process of applying for drama school, visit local colleges to discuss the benefits of further study and, more generally, showcase the breadth of degrees and careers on offer in the arts.

Central's relationship with schools and students in the Derby area has grown exponentially year on year, with the University's goal to establish a fully integrated and on-going collaboration with local Derbyshire schools. Whilst reinforcing the value of arts and arts education, the project also helps to demonstrate the various career possibilities available within the creative sector. Verna Rhodes, Head of Central Outreach, said:

"The Derby Live project has been made possible through Central's access funding. Central has a long history in widening participation and works in collaboration with academic and research staff in partnership with schools, colleges and community groups".

This year's tour is a particularly meaningful one, as the Company Manager and two of the young cast members all hail from Derby. Their dedication and passion for their hometown has helped to encourage the School's continued involvement in the project and to build its networks within the local community. Company Manager Joe O'Neill, also an alumnus of Central, said of the project:

"The importance of communities, education and local governance working together to sustain regional theatre and the arts has never been more important than in today's climate. This project aims to enrich lives and offer new experiences to communities, as well as Central students, and has been positively reflected in recent years by the continued progression and growth of regional theatre and the arts in the area. As an alumnus and having grown up in Derby, this project unites two influential parts of my life and I am proud that Central is reaching out to local communities, especially those in my home town."

Wendy Gadian, Central's Course Leader for BA Acting (Musical Theatre) has overseen the project since its inception:

"This project is a wonderful opportunity for students, who are about to embark on a professional career, to perform in a professional theatre under touring conditions. It is also a unique chance for a prestigious London drama school which draws on talent from all parts of the UK, to reach out and connect with areas outside London. This type of project offers a platform for young actors to take their work back to the communities from which they grew, by which means to inspire and encourage the next generation of young performers.