Cheshire College Technical Theatre Learners Take The Spotlight

Technical Theatre learners at Cheshire’s largest Further Education College have received rave reviews from industry experts for their work backstage on an award-winning theatre company’s latest livestreamed professional production.

The work of three learners at Cheshire College, who are currently completing their BA (Hons) in Technical Theatre, was mentioned by highly acclaimed worldwide theatre publication, The Stage, during their review of a new production by North West based theatre company The Boaty Theatre Company.

Learners Francesca Blythin, Matthew Plested and Alex Vickers took on the technical roles for The Boaty Theatre Company’s original debut production of ‘Home, Again’, as part of their degree module and were also named in Mobile Theatre’s review, who praised their innovation and professionalism.

Angie Berwick, Course Team Leader for Technical Theatre, commented: “I am extremely proud of all three learners who have worked tirelessly to hone their technical theatre talents. For their hard work and creativity to be recognised on a national scale is an incredible achievement and I am absolutely thrilled for them.

"The level of ability and creativity of all our Technical Theatre learners studying with us at Cheshire College is second-to-none. It’s a real privilege to see their skills progress as they gain practical experience and explore the areas they’d like to specialise in, from sound and stage management to live planning and lighting.”

The lighting of ‘Home, Again’ caught the eye of both theatre publications for its kaleidoscopic design and operation by learner Alex, whilst Stage Manager and Camera Operator Francesca and Deputy Stage Manager Matthew ensured the smooth running of the show.

Cheshire College’s Technical Theatre department work with many creative companies for learners to gain real hands-on experience and The Boaty Theatre Company is one of the College’s latest partners. Founded by award-winning Director and Cheshire College Awesome Alumna Laura J Harris, The Boaty Theatre Company provide the opportunity for learners to work on live client briefs.

Commenting on the success of the show and the learners’ work, Laura said: “Working with the learners on this project was a wonderful experience.  I was delighted that they were highlighted and named in the reviews – they worked so hard and so passionately, really taking onboard our Boaty ethos and way of working as a creative team and family. It has always been important for us to provide as much real-life, industry experience as possible for everyone working with us and we always try to promote and highlight the talents of local people.

“We believe in an access-for-all approach to creativity, theatre, music, art and live performance.  Whether you are a participant, audience member, part of the creative team, a performer or supporting from the sidelines with passion and dedication, we feel that everyone should have access to experiencing the arts - to feeling that incredible sensation of being a part of something communal and creative; of bringing something exciting, thought provoking and emotionally engaging to life.  And that's what Alex, Francesca and Matthew did so beautifully and so succinctly when they worked with us on Home, Again."

Home to fully-equipped theatres with control desks, lighting and staging equipment Cheshire College provides the perfect platform for learners to improve and develop their Technical Theatre skills with dedicated study programmes ranging from Level 3 up to Level 6.

To learn more about Technical Theatre visit ccsw.ac.uk - there has never been a better time to 'Get In, Stand Out’. 

Pictured - Cheshire College's Technical Theatre Learners with The Boaty Theatre Company crew.