CU Scarborough acting students tread the boards at celebrated Stephen Joseph Theatre

A female actor with two male actors in the background on stage

CU Scarborough actors on stage at the Stephen Joseph Theatre

University news / CU Scarborough

Wednesday 21 December 2022

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Press Team
press.mac@coventry.ac.uk


Acting students from CU Scarborough have entered the limelight at the renowned Stephen Joseph Theatre for a special show this Christmas.

As part of the university’s collaboration with the theatre, third year actors on the BA Hons Acting Degree rehearsed for four weeks for the show, entitled: Sammy the Shoemaker’s Impossible Day.

Written and directed by Cheryl Govan, the show is described as a Christmas story full of heart and fun with a strong message about belonging and friendship at its centre. It is being signed in basic Makaton throughout by the company who have learnt this for the show.

CU Scarborough has developed strong ties with the Stephen Joseph Theatre and the opportunity to take part in the Christmas show gives students the chance to work closely with stage professionals, providing them with vital industry experience.

We’ve been working with these students throughout their three years on the CU Scarborough Acting course - we’re thrilled to see the results this Christmas! We hope they’ve learned as much from us as we have from them.

Paul Robinson, Artistic Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre

CU Scarborough and Stephen Joseph Theatre have designed the BA Hons Acting course to be industry relevant, focused and career driven. This is a very exciting course where staff and students come together to create something special, exploring all areas for employability within industry.

We are very proud of this collaboration and the experience our students have whilst training on the beautiful Yorkshire Coast.

Diana Logan, Course Leader for Acting at CU Scarborough

Last year ten students performed in a Christmas production at the theatre called The Giant Who Had It All (And Then Lost It…), preparing for the show in their own Covid bubble.

The collaboration between the SJT and CU Scarborough ensures that employability is embedded from the outset of students’ studies. Exposure to creatives and industry professionals aims to increase chances for networking and professional opportunities and prospects following completion of the degree.

Aside from learning acting skills, students are introduced to business concepts including marketing, budgeting and entrepreneurship, in order to ensure that graduates are able to market themselves as professionals.

Sammy the Shoemaker’s Impossible Day runs at the Stephen Joseph Theatre until 23rd December and is aimed at children aged under 6.

Find out more about CU Scarborough’s BA Acting degree course.