A performance marking the directorial debut of performing arts students has been thrilling audiences at Loughborough College’s arts academy theatre.
‘Natural Born Directors’ was the culmination of six months of work for the twelve-strong cast on scenes from Mike Leigh’s ‘Abigail’s Party’, Sheelagh Delaney’s ‘A Taste of Honey’ and Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’, as well a dance piece in homage to DV8 theatre company, called Stranger Fish.
“This was the first time our students had stepped into the role of director as well as performer. There was a lot of research and adjustment involved as they devised and rehearsed and it was a steep learning curve - but they really nailed it,” said Loughborough College performing arts lecturer Emma Ledsam.
“They certainly didn’t have it easy for the performance as last minute changes due to cast illness meant some of the actors had to read in their parts.
“That could have been a major distraction on the night or even have overcome the performance but the students were all incredibly professional and delivered a powerful movement piece, a real sense of the paranoia in The Crucible and got plenty of laughs in Abigail’s Party. It was a huge hit with the audience.
“The students really showed their acting and directing chops and there is no doubt the experience of experiencing what goes into a performance from all sides will stand them in good stead as they move into a career in the industry.”
Natural Born Directors featured Megan Smith, Effie Langley-Evans, Iman Mohammadi, Katelyn Murphy, Christie King, Malakye Galloway-Baxter, Emilia Hargreaves, Katie Johnson, Josiah Oladoyin, Roby Singh and Rhianne Williams
Pictured: Young directors making their debut at Loughborough College (from left) Megan Smith, Effie Langley-Evans, Iman Mohammadi, Katelyn Murphy, Christie King, Malakye Galloway-Baxter