MAY NEWSLETTER
Welcome to our latest newsletter. Staff and students are delighted to have moved into our state-of-the-art new building in Stour Street, Birmingham on 25th April. This is a fantastic space which provides our students with ideal facilities to develop their talent and passion in production arts. We’re lucky enough to have two dedicated TV studios, a large creative production workshop, acting studios, make-up and costume studios and more!
Our students have settled in very quickly, getting used to new travel arrangements and enjoying the luxury of having plenty of space.
There will be an opportunity for parents, carers and new students (September 2022 intake) to visit during the week of June 13-17. More details of this opportunity will be sent separately.
Also, keep an eye out for BOA Stage & Screen Production Academy on BBC Midlands Today. Reporter Liz Copper interviewed a selection of students, our CEO Gaynor Cheshire, and one of our industry partners Alison Grade (Mission Accomplished) for a news item about the growing employment opportunities in the creative industries in Birmingham and West Midlands
Student Blog: Our move to Stour Street
‘It’s been a great first week. Not only do we feel more relaxed, it’s our space.’
‘It’s been great to be able to communicate with the other pathways and collaborate effectively.’
‘We really appreciate our new safe space.’
‘More space, more equipment and this supports our learning and knowledge.’
‘Having our own studio has meant that we have been able to rehearse and get ready for filming. We are very much looking forward to showcasing this event.’
‘Another bonus is having Tesco close by and access to a basketball court.’
‘State of the art facilities, great character and brilliant modern technology’
‘I wish it was here sooner, a refreshing new start for us all’
A great new chapter for Stage and Screen Production Academy students!
The Student Ambassador Team
BOA Acting Shows
A huge ‘well done’ to our Creative Production and Technical Production students who have produced sets, costumes, make-up and props, sound, lighting and stage management for a series of BOA shows at The Old Rep Theatre during April and May.
The shows are: Sweet Science of Bruising; Lovely Bones and A View From A Bridge
With three different shows and six different casts, our students and staff have worked long hours and weekends to create the highest-quality productions. A fantastic collaboration with BOA Acting students, the shows look amazing!
Well done to all involved and a big thank you to our Creative Production staff members Mrs Morgan, Miss Scott and Miss Fitchett
Careers
On Friday 11th March 2022, in conjunction with National Careers week, we held our very first careers day at BOA Stage & Screen Production. The morning consisted of industry professionals coming in to speak to our pathway groups: our sincere thanks go to Corey Campbell (Artistic Director) and Rob Clews from Belgrade Theatre, Leigh Yeomans from PRG and Oli Clark, Film Director.
Students attended talks from Amazing Apprenticeships and Vision Board Workshops from Employability UK, as well as CV writing workshops from Birmingham Careers Service. The day was completed by a careers fair; University of Wolverhampton, Birmingham City University, Derby University and University of Falmouth were present as well as industry professionals such as Creative Central and McCann Marketing Company. They interacted with the students and spoke about the opportunities available once they complete Year 13.
Many of the visitors commented on how interesting and engaged our students were – well done to all!
Resilience and Brilliance
The Academy’s Resilience and Brilliance framework is embedded throughout the curriculum and all aspects of students’ life. We support learners in facing challenges and being the best they can be.
Student life is not just about academic studies but creating an Academy where students can thrive, manage any pressures in an effective way and learn how to be happy. Our focus on resilience and brilliance enables students to successfully weather the storms, improve well-being, engagement and performance.
We recently presented ‘Students of the Term’ for consistent, sustained Resilience and Brilliance over many weeks. Well done to:
Molly (Creative Pathway – Acting and Writing Specialism)
Leon (Technical Pathway – Broadcast Specialism)
Alissia (Business)
Stanley (Creative Pathway – Production Specialism)
Mollie (Creative Pathway – Production Specialism)
George (Technical Pathway – Production Specialism) – outstanding contribution
Important Dates
Young Brum film project – Thursday 9th June
Students across all pathways are currently collaborating on a joint project, creating four short films representing young people in Birmingham through the decades. This brings together every aspect of Stage & Screen Production Academy – scriptwriting, set design, props, make-up, costumes, lighting, broadcasting, acting, the list goes on!
Screenings of the Young Brum films take place on Thursday 9th June at BOA Stage & Screen Production Academy, Stour Street. Tickets are now on sale, at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/boa but hurry – only limited places are available!
Commonwealth Games – July 2022
Our acting and creative production students have the incredible privilege of producing a major piece of physical outdoor theatre for the welcome ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games 2022. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the production will be repeated for the athletes and officials from every visiting country. Performances of the piece, entitled ‘City of a Thousand Trades’ take place at three different venues across the city:
Birmingham NEC University of Birmingham University of Warwick
Whilst these will be ‘closed’ events for Commonwealth Games athletes and visiting officials, we look forward to seeing video footage of the productions.
Please note our new telephone number at Stour Street: 0121 359 9390
With best wishes from the team at BOA Stage & Screen Production Academy
Iain Estell
Interim Principal