TWO performing arts students from Bradford College spent a weekend working with professionals from the Royal Shakespeare Company(RSC).

Bailay Illingworth, 19, and Ellen O'Keeffe, 16, were selected by the world-renowned theatre company to take part in the Next Generation:Act project which aims to support young actors from around the country.

Bailay said: “It was great to work with experts and get their feedback and advice on improving our techniques and getting into the industry."

Ellen added: “I learned you have got to be confident enough to make your own decisions on the text. I also took away that you have to make sure you absolutely know the text and that you are using the words properly – that you must have a deep level of understanding.”

Robin Belfield, RSC young peoples' performance development officer, said: “It was a great weekend.

"Bailay and Ellen were joined by seven other young people from across the country.

"Over the weekend they worked with myself and Hannah Miller casting director at the RSC and RSC voice practitioner Anna McSweeney

“They worked with all three of us on Shakespeare monologues character and performing skills. They also had some mentoring and advice on career pathways and routes into the profession. They all did terrifically well.”