FIRST year Performing Arts students at South Essex College took to the stage to put on two fantastic productions for their end of year shows.

The groups transformed the auditorium space at Thurrock Campus to showcase their talents.

First year Level 2 Acting students kicked things off with their production ‘Under the Skin’ which covered a range of themes including mental health, body image, family, celebrations, mistreatment of individuals and mass hysteria within the media.

The students were given the opportunity to create their own stories, working collaboratively and independently, to devise the 45-minute performance.

Jay Clinton, Level 2 Performing Arts (Acting) Course Leader said: “The standard of work this academic year has been extremely high. It has been lovely to see the students develop their performance skills and technique”.
Following the success of the Level 2 group, the first year Level 3 students brought their production ‘Beyond the Box’ to life.

The physical theatre showcase explored the relationship between humankind and technology through a thought provoking story where society implodes from the pressure of technology. The resulting new community searched for a life more simple ‘beyond the box’, but the box was everywhere.

All students devised and choreographed their physical compositions. The physical story-telling was visually stunning and all 30 performers were on stage for two hours improvising and reacting to the ever changing world.

Sarah Doney, Year 1 Level 3 Performing Arts (Acting) Course Leader, said: “Beyond the Box was stunning, every single performer and production student committed to their role with professionalism, confidence and flair. I’m so proud of them all.”

Both groups performed to audiences of fellow students, staff, friends and family.

Photos from each performance can be viewed on the College’s Facebook page. Under the Skin gallery:

Beyond the Box gallery: https://www.facebook.com/pg/southessexcollege/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10154428154960025

Under the Skin:

Cast: Connor Farmer, Charlotte Dabbs, Georgia Bennett, Rahim Hofri (Yusuf), Bethany Colby, Kirsty Murray, James Kelly and Clare Madigan.
Director: Jay Clinton
Production Manager: Dan Hancock
Assistant Production Manager & Stage Manager: Harry Cunningham
Assistant Stage Manager & Props: Lucy Dixon
Deputy Stage Manager: Tia Neal
LX: Sophie Hall
Sound: Keira Clark
AV: Sophie Kew
Stage Crew & FOH: Callum Conquest, Maddie Cowpland, Charlie Hurst and Owen Tillbury

Beyond the Box:

Cast: Antoinette Pieri, Alex Chettur, Briony Taylor, Charlie Catton, Cameron Stewart, Demere Mary-Ann Hall, Frazer Grewal, Georgia Riches, Georgia Seal, Harry Fitzpatrick, Isabel Oliver, Jake Webb, Jess Maas, Katie Phelps, Kayleigh Brian, Lauren Shaw, Melissa Boateng, Michael Smith, Mikala Kerner, Natalie Simmons, Norton O’Hara, Patrick Crowley, Rachael Kelly, Rob Hill, Rob Maynard, Rosie Powell, Ross Sexton, Shauna Jade O’Brien, Sophie Mehmet and Summer Rowley-Kirby.
Director: Sarah Doney
Assistant Directors: Sarah Mayhew and Wendy Morgan
Production Manager: Eddie Aspinall
A.V & Lighting assistant: Lewis Beard
Lighting programmer/operator: Kiera Clarke, Daniel Hancock
Stage manager: Callum Conquest
Assistant stage manager: Maddie Cowpland
Stage crew: Harry Cunningham, Maisie Threadgold–Smith
Assistant production manager: Lucy Dixon
DSM: Sophie Hall
AV operator: Charlie Hurst
Sound: Becky Kerby, Sophie Kew
Head lighting: Tia Neal