As part of their course, a number of Drama undergraduates gained industry experience helping a world-leading immersive theatre company with their major new show.
In late 2021, fourteen second year students on the 15-credit Industry Placement module on Greenwich’s BA (Hons) Drama course got a great opportunity to work with industry pioneers - and university partner - Punchdrunk on the company’s first London show in eight years, ‘The Burnt City’.
The critically-acclaimed show - described as “immersive theatre on an epic scale” by the Independent - which has seen huge audiences, opened earlier this year in the new cultural district that is Woolwich Works. It was between October and December 2021 that the placement students were invited to get involved in areas of the show’s design and build, and supported activities in several departments - from Design to Marketing and Wardrobe to Production - working on lighting, set, sound design, production, marketing and props.
Alistair Wilkinson, former Talent Development Manager at Punchdrunk, said “During the build of The Burnt City, we were happy to welcome the students from Greenwich to our site as part of their placement module. It is great to see the positive imprint they have made on our work.”
Greenwich’s Dr Nicholas Holden, who supports the industry-based course module, noted the tangible evidence of students’ impressive creativity right across the show’s set. He went on to say “I am proud of our ongoing partnership with Punchdrunk and delighted we had the chance to connect students with such an epic production - it’s a great example of the Drama team’s extensive work to integrate placement and industry-based learning opportunities into the curriculum of the BA (Hons) Drama course. I am excited by the future potential for collaboration with Punchdrunk, whom we are working with again in 2022 on the Industry Placement module, and I look forward to seeing our partnership evolve.”
Industry engagement is an important feature of the BA (Hons) Drama course. From Creative Futures, to the Industry Placement and Advanced Placement modules - and beyond - BA (Hons) Drama students are actively encouraged and supported to interact with industry, build networks and enhance their skillset and experience as they prepare for a career in the Creative Arts.
Find out more about Greenwich’s Drama courses here.
