We broke up for Christmas this week, finishing the term with pizza, The Muppets Christmas Carol, Harry Potter Trivial Pursuits and Monopoly. What a term it’s been – a first for all of us, but it’s been a huge success.

Since we began, in the middle of September, the Stagedoor students have seen a total of 7 professional productions at the Everyman Theatre. They have had workshops with directors, actors, technicians, designers, theatre makers and practitioners. They have run workshops, alongside professional practitioners, they’ve observed technical rehearsals and contributed to the development of professional productions. They have had a full week of workshops with Theatre Temoin, during which they learned new skills and techniques, as well as helping the company to develop its new piece which will be toured next year.

On top of that, they’ve worked in the marketing department at the Everyman, they’ve packed hundreds of bags with goodies for children at the panto, they’ve entertained the Everyman Theatre Association and they’ve produced and performed a sell-out public show. That’s quite a lot to squeeze in to one term!

Next term, we’ll be performing The Changing Room for National Theatre Connections on 27th & 28th February in the Everyman Studio, and on 15th March at the Theatre Royal in Bath. We’ll also be creating a performance for International Women’s Day, which will be performing at Pittville Pump Rooms in Cheltenham on 10th March, and will be taking part in the Touring Consortium Theatre Company’s Untold Stories project. More about those in the new year.

The best thing about this term has been the wonderful Stagedoor students. They really are the most committed, creative, talented bunch, and it’s an absolute joy to work with them.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2018.