LCoM has formed a partnership with Backstage Academy, offering valuable learning opportunities for students across both organisations.
The move comes ahead of the start of BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at LCoM, which is set to welcome its first cohort of students in September 2019. This will be the first of a brand new suite of performing arts courses, followed by BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Actor Musician, which both launch in September 2020.
The partnership will enable LCoM Musical Theatre students to work collaboratively with technical designers and event producers at Backstage Academy, providing a holistic approach to production from inception.
Renowned for its forward-thinking approach to event design and production, students at Backstage Academy study a range of disciplines including lighting design & technology, live sound engineering, live visuals (video & projection) and stage & production management.
Students at Backstage Academy train in cutting-edge techniques such as projection mapping, virtual & immersive reality and sound & lighting control, made possible by a wealth of industry partnerships with some of the most renowned manufacturers and distributors of live events technology in the industry.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for our students to work collaboratively on the technical aspects of their productions – keeping tech at the forefront of the design from the outset, as is increasingly common practice in today’s theatre industry,” said Patsy Gilbert, Head of School of Performance at LCoM.
“Working alongside Backstage Academy will help to ensure that our students are prepared to embark upon a sustainable career in this fast-paced industry when they graduate.”
There will also be additional performance opportunities for students from different pathways at LCoM, who will have the chance to perform at Backstage Academy’s open days and festivals.
“We’re really thrilled to form this partnership with Backstage Academy,” adds Patsy. “We are excited to be developing exciting theatre and performing networks across the North of England, with organisations who are as committed to producing cutting-edge work as we are here at Leeds College of Music. This new link will allow students from both organisations to learn from each other, and gain a holistic experience of producing new work for a modern theatre industry.”
Rachel Nicholson, Vice Principal of Backstage Academy, said; "Our shared values of creativity, innovation and inclusivity made partnering with Leeds College of Music a natural fit. The partnership will create fantastic new collaborative opportunities for our students and staff, as well as complimenting the existing high quality provision at each institution.”
“Working together will enable us to better enhance and articulate the range of unique and distinctive learning opportunities available to those choosing to study in the North of England."
