Tom Bewick, Chief Executive of Creative &
Cultural Skills, Penny Hargreaves, ncn Head of
Performing Arts & Music and Geoff Hall,
ncn Principal
Students performing 'Grim'
Students performing 'Grim'
The College marked its status as a Founder College of the National Skills Academy (NSA) for Creative & Cultural Skills with a launch event and special performance of ‘Grim’ on Friday 11 December.
Through working together with selected colleges, the NSA aims to address the shortage of skilled staff in the sector, raise the profile of backstage and offstage careers among young people, provide training in collaboration with employers, and change and influence the industry.
Penny Hargreaves, ncn Head of Performing Arts & Music, said: “We are extremely proud to become an NSA Founder College. The NSA network provides ncn with the opportunity to work together with specialists in this thriving industry to shape the skills and potential of the creative and cultural workforce in Nottinghamshire and beyond. The College is committed to providing quality education and training for the next generation of skilled workers in backstage and offstage theatre and live music event production.”
The production of ‘Grim’ did not represent a traditional fairy tale, but a dark, surrealist representation of the original folk tales by the Brothers Grimm, which were often macabre, twisted and grotesque, playing heavily on childhood dreams and nightmares. The company included ncn Foundation Degree Arts actors and technicians, and guests from the Music department. The programme and posters were designed by Digital Artwork & Design staff and students.
Becky Matter, Director, said: “Our interest was in creating a glimpse into a child’s nightmare. ‘Grim’ is not a story with beginnings, middles and happy endings, but a tantalising patchwork of half remembered moments. I am especially proud of the achievements of the students - they did a fantastic job.”
Posted on 14 December 2009