Theatre school sets stage for future stars

Northern Ireland’s leading youth theatre school is issuing a curtain call for young people to take part in the newly launched Sunday Sessions, scheduled to take place each Sunday from October to mid-December.
By Helen McGurk
Published 21st Sep 2020, 14:56 BST
Pictured at the launch of The Sunday Sessions are (l-r) Tina McVeigh, director, BSPA, student Sacha Koplewsky, aged 19, Peter Corry, BSPA artistic director and student Maddy Anderson aged 19Pictured at the launch of The Sunday Sessions are (l-r) Tina McVeigh, director, BSPA, student Sacha Koplewsky, aged 19, Peter Corry, BSPA artistic director and student Maddy Anderson aged 19
Pictured at the launch of The Sunday Sessions are (l-r) Tina McVeigh, director, BSPA, student Sacha Koplewsky, aged 19, Peter Corry, BSPA artistic director and student Maddy Anderson aged 19

Aimed at young people, aged 14 – 25, the project launched by the Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA), will connect the province’s performing talent with top industry professionals to offer a series of face to ‘socially distanced’ face masterclasses led by experts in film and stagecraft.

BSPA artistic director, Peter Corry believes the upcoming series of Sunday masterclasses will benefit local talent both now and in the future.

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“Because of the pandemic, the entertainment industry across the whole world has been decimated, and the return to theatres and performances is much slower than anticipated,” the West End star said.

“But we performers are always optimistic and truly believe that the show will and must go on. So we are using this enforced downtime productively to lay the groundwork for the stars of the future.”

BSPA Sunday Sessions have attracted some major players from the world of stage and screen to share the secrets of the professional world of entertainment, both in front of and behind the cameras

Expert tutors for the performance masterclasses include resident director of Les Misérables in London Sam Hiller, film and TV actor Cameron Jack, who appeared in Batman The Dark Knight Rises; actor and director Ross White, Kelly Downing who is a member of Hamilton’s West End cast and ‘We Will Rock You’ Broadway star David Michael Johnson.

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Mr Corry added: “BSPA’s Sunday Sessions will connect ambitious young people with exceptionally talented and accomplished stars of stage, screen and production to inspire and help them grow in confidence and we excited about the incredible stars who will be giving up their time to teach our students at The Sunday Sessions.”

He added: “I really believe in the ability of musical and theatre to benefit young people as they grow and develop into young adults. You are never too young to perform, and it’s never too late to start learning.

“Young people have been under tremendous pressure, and stress since the start of lockdown but theatre can improve their mental health and show them that the future will be brighter.”

Tina Mcveigh, director at BSPA says; “I strongly encourage those interested in expanding their learning in the field of music, theatre, dance and film to book a place on BSPA’s upcoming Sunday Sessions and avail of this unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. For young actors, dancers and singers, these unique sessions are simply not to be missed.”

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BSPA will also be creating, devising and shooting a short film during the course of the Sunday Sessions to give insight and experience to those interested in working behind and in front of the camera.

For more information on The Sunday Sessions or to join Belfast School of Performing Arts please visit www.thebspa.co.uk

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Related topics:Belfast School of Performing ArtsNorthern Ireland

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