In June and July, the Creative Industries department at Wakefield College closed the curtains on another academic year with a series of art shows showcasing the exceptional talent of their acting, musical theatre, art and music provisions.
The celebration of the rising-stars in the creative industry at Wakefield College took place at the Mechanic’s Theatre on Wood Street – the College’s own theatre. Each Arts course had its own way of celebrating the year’s achievements with friends, family and the local community through a series of exhibitions, performances and gigs.
The Performing Arts department – consisting of musical theatre, dance and acting – hosts a ‘Summer Festival’ each year showcasing dance performances, musicals and stage plays.
This year’s line-up featured:
- Everybody’s Talking About Jamie by Musical Theatre students.
- Duos by HND Acting students.
- Not So Grim Tales by Acting students.
- Road by first year Acting students.
- Secret Diary of Adian Mole by second year Acting students.
- Fairest of Them All by Dance students.
Saloum, a first year Acting student, said: "Everyone always looks forward to the Summer Festival at the end of the year as our friends and family get to watch us. Working up to the show, we have all become close friends in class and my current tutors are the best I’ve ever had – everyone gets along and we’ve all learnt so much. I performed in ‘Road’ by Jim Cartwright as Joey which has been my favourite role I’ve played so far! I like to get to know my characters so that I’m able to relate to them when I am portraying them on stage.”
In June, the annual Upload Festival, organised by the Music department, took the Mechanic’s stage, featuring performances by students from Level 1 to Higher Education. The festival took place over three nights and showcased a diverse talent pool of bands, soloists and DJs covering a variety of genres from indie to rock, acoustic sets, dance and house.
Wakefield College Music students performing at Upload Festival 2024
The festival reeled in crowds each evening who danced at the front, sang along with the performers and cheered them on. For some students, this was their final showcase at the College as they go onto pursue music at university or begin careers.
Following Upload Festival, Art, Design & Photography students transformed the theatre into a gallery for their end of year exhibition, featuring art from all levels and disciplines – painting, multimedia, sculptures, ceramics and more.
The exhibition, lasting four days, welcomed a stream of visitors who were able to view the artworks up close and speak to the student artists.
Andrea Quantrill, Director of Quality and High Performance at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, visited the exhibition and said:
“There was some incredible work made by the students from Wakefield College. The students spoke passionately about what inspired them and what their plans were after college. I love how creative talent exceeds educational levels; the possibilities are endless as a creative."
Media, Film and TV students also hosted their own festival where they exhibited their film projects made over the course of the past academic year. The theatre was set up like a mini-Oscars with a programme for the night, awards presented on stage and drinks served at the bar.
If you’d like to learn more about the arts departments at Wakefield College, please visit: Wakefield College (heartofyorkshire.ac.uk)