Southwark College’s Level 3 Drama students participated in a day of industry events which included a physical theatre workshop led by the University of East London (UEL), followed by an audition simulation with professional actor, Paul Rider.
The day began with a mixed group of Drama and Dance students taking part in an engaging workshop led by Caroline Griffiths, Senior Lecturer in Physical Theatre and Movement at UEL and three of her students. They performed a piece on ‘duality’ to the group and then supported them through several technical exercises, sharing their knowledge and expertise.
The Drama students then went on to take part in individual audition simulations with professional actor Paul Rider, whose career includes performances in iconic West End plays and musicals as well as television appearances and he has recently completed his latest season at Shakespeare's Globe in ‘The Comedy of Errors’. Paul co-hosted the audition panel alongside teacher Michael Palmer, together they watched each student perform a short monologue, sing a song and read from a new script.
Paul Rider was impressed with the group: “I’ve come in to work with the students to give them an idea of what a professional audition situation feels like by giving them the unfamiliarity of a stranger coming in. It's never not frightening no matter how long you have been doing it for, but he students today have all done very well.”
The session offered an opportunity for students to perform in front of a professional actor and receive comments on their technique, delivery and stage presence. Lee Palmer, one of the students participating in the workshops said: "The opportunity to audition with a professional actor has been incredibly beneficial. Paul Rider’s expert feedback and advice are invaluable, helping us prepare for future auditions and highlighting the specific improvements we need to succeed in our craft."
Both the UEL workshop and the audition workshop were part of Southwark College’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for the competitive world of work.
For more information about Dance and Drama courses at Southwark College, visit southwark.ac.uk/creativearts
