Fast, Fast, Slow – Commonwealth Theatre Company Placement Project

Fast, Fast, Slow

Six Bradford School of Arts Students Shine in Commonwealth Theatre Company’s Fast, Fast, Slow Production.

Photo credit – Ellie Dennis

Performing Arts First Year Degree Students

In an exciting opportunity for our talented first-year Performing Arts degree students, four of them had the privilege of working in production roles with the esteemed Commonwealth Theatre Company. From working behind the scene to stepping on stage, these students showcased their passion and dedication to the performing arts during their involvement in this fast-paced production.

Travels to Blackburn

Throughout the month of October, Rose Dastor, Chelsea Stoyles, and Harry Leadbeater embarked on weekly journeys to Blackburn, where they actively contributed to the success of the Commonwealth Theatre Company’s production. These learners were assigned significant production roles, ensuring smooth operations and seamless performances. The remaining student, Qaraman Saizada, was cast as a performer, showcasing their acting skills alongside the talented cast.

Special Effects and Mask Work

photo credit – Ellie Dennis

Degree Students in Media Make up and Special Effects

Two of our students from the Media Make up and Special Effects Degree, Ellie Dennis and Leon Ivic, played a crucial role in the production by collaborating with the designer Sascha Gilmour, to create captivating mask work. Their expertise and creativity were put to the test as they crafted unique and visually stunning masks that added depth and intrigue to the performances. This hands-on experience allowed them to refine their skills and gain valuable insights into the world of theatrical makeup and special effects.

Return to Bradford – BD is LIT

Photo credit – Ellie Dennis

The experience gained by all of the BSoA students during their time with the Commonwealth Theatre Company was nothing short of fantastic. They were exposed to the intricacies of production, honing their organisational, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Additionally, their time in Blackburn allowed them to understand the importance of adaptability and flexibility in the fast-paced working environment.

Following their successful stint in Blackburn, the students returned to Bradford College to continue their journey on their home ground. Their newfound skills and experiences will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for their future endeavours in the industry.

Supporting Career Pathways

In addition to the production roles and performances, one of our FE students, Usman Sheikh, had the unique opportunity to shadow the technical elements of the production, specifically focusing on lighting. This hands-on experience provided valuable insight into the technical aspects of theatre production, supporting Usman’s career aspirations within technical theatre. Such opportunities help students explore various areas of the performing arts industry and make informed decisions about their future career paths.

Photo credit – Ellie Dennis

Fast, Fast, Slow – Common Wealth (commonwealththeatre.co.uk)

Common Wealth Theatre Company | Site-Specific Political Theatre

Fast, Fast, Slow by Common Wealth – British Textile Biennial

Course Information

Media Make up and Special Effects

BA (Hons) Make-up with Special Effects for the Creative Industries (bradfordcollege.ac.uk)

Diploma in Media Make-up and Special Effects (bradfordcollege.ac.uk)

Diploma in Media Make up and Special Effects (bradfordcollege.ac.uk)

Performing and Production Arts

The Yorkshire School of Performance and Music (bradfordcollege.ac.uk)

Diploma in Performing Arts (bradfordcollege.ac.uk)