TWO graduates are a step closer to their dream careers in television, film or theatre after securing a place on the first course of its kind in the North of England dedicated to young actor training.
Sophie Butler and Kazia Pickering, both performing arts graduates from the University of Sunderland, will train with Project A at Newcastle Theatre Royal.
The scheme is for 18 to 25-year-olds who are serious about an acting career.
Having both achieved first-class degrees this summer at Sunderland, Sophie and Kazia successfully auditioned for the year-long programme under the mentorship of actor and director Phil Hoffmann.
Sophie said: “I’m absolutely elated to have been accepted onto Project A, especially during these uncertain times.
"This opportunity will allow me to develop further not only as a performer but as an industry professional.
"Studying performing arts at Sunderland for three years prepared me for opportunities like this one and I am so grateful to have all of the lecturers’ continued support.
"I can’t wait to start this exciting new chapter.”
Mr Hoffmann, Project A's artistic director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sophie and Kazia onto Project A this year.
"Over the last three years we have developed an excellent working relationship with the University of Sunderland, and we look forward to it growing further.
"Welcoming two of their recent graduates into Theatre Royal from September is a fantastic start to that.”
Academics say both students have worked hard to achieve their place, and drew on their experiences of a collaboration between the theatre and university which offers access to the venue and interviews with actors and writers as part of their degree.
Live Theatre Emeritus Associate Director Max Roberts, also a Sunderland Visiting Professor, delivering industry relevant modules and employability workshops, helped Kazia select a relevant monologue for her audition from the play Clear White Light.
Max said: “It’s great to hear the students are moving on to study at Project A, and it was great to be able to help Kazia find a speech from a play that originated from Live Theatre for her audition piece. It was fantastic to work with Kazia and Sophie when students at the University and I wish them the best of luck.”
Kazia, 21, originally from West Yorkshire and now living in Newcastle, said: “My three years on the performing arts course has allowed me to gain so much confidence within myself for the acting industry and I am so excited to begin my new chapter at Project A – this acting programme is funded and based at the Theatre Royal and we are so lucky to have this opportunity whilst Covid-19 is still among us. A massive thank you to the performing arts department for all you have done for us.”
Dr Adelle Hulsmeier, senior lecturer in performing arts and programme leader for screen performance, said: “To move onto study with Project A is so exciting for our graduates. I’m very proud of both Kazia and Sophie.
"They demonstrated their excellent acting skills throughout their time with us here on the performing arts programme and it’s so exciting that they get to focus their next steps in acting. Project A will allow them to sharpen their skills and pave a way to a very successful acting career in their future. We wish them the best of luck and we will be here to support them the whole way.”
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