Southwark College recently hosted a dynamic Creative Industries Skills Conference, offering students the chance to engage with leading industry professionals and gain hands-on experience through various workshops. The event provided students with valuable insights and skills in the Performing Arts, Music, Theatre, and Dance industries to help them build their careers in the creative sector.
Throughout the day, students participated in exciting and immersive sessions designed to inspire and challenge them. The conference featured workshops led by prominent creative industry figures, offering performance-based activities and career-focused advice.
The day started with a Jazz Fosse Dance workshop led by Jack William Parry, a West End performer from Cabaret. Jack led a high-energy warm-up and then introduced students to the rich history of Fosse.
Next, Talithia Kelly, a former Trinity Laban student and talented singer-songwriter, performed her empowering song "Beauty Queen" and led a songwriting workshop. During the session, she shared her personal journey in the music industry and offered invaluable advice on writing, recording, and performing music.
In addition to the music workshops, the conference featured a Lung Theatre Drama Workshop, which allowed students to explore the world of drama through immersive exercises and performance techniques. Meanwhile, Mountview Dance led a Musical Theatre Class, where students worked on a powerful routine set to the classic One Night Only from the Dreamgirls soundtrack.
The afternoon included a session led by CM Sounds, during which students learned from industry professionals and participated in a hands-on challenge that introduced them to the realities of the creative sector.
The conference also included an intensive commercial dance session led by a performer with extensive experience working on cruise ships. This high-energy workshop allowed students to refine their technique and learn what it takes to perform at the highest level in the commercial entertainment industry.
Music students were given a glimpse into the future with a session from the London College of Contemporary Music. The team discussed the opportunities available at the college, highlighting the diverse range of courses and career paths aspiring musicians can pursue in the industry.
Thrive Dance Company delivered a contemporary dance session to close the day, allowing students to unwind, reflect, and express themselves through movement. The session was a perfect conclusion to an action-packed day, leaving students feeling inspired and energised.
Ella Harris-Morgan, currently studying the Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance), shared her thoughts on the day: "It’s been a really fun day. It’s great to have different teachers, so we’re exposed to a variety of styles and industry experts. The workshops have been free-flowing and allowed us to add our own spin on things, which I have really enjoyed. The Musical Theatre session has been my favourite as it’s something I haven’t done in so long, and it was really fun to get back into it.”
The Creative Industries Skills Conference was an invaluable experience for Southwark College Creative Arts students. It provided them with practical skills, insights into the industry, and connections that will help shape their future careers. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future and continuing to support our students as they develop into the next generation of creative professionals.
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