Performing & Production Arts students recently took centre stage during workshops with two world-renowned theatre companies.
At the capital’s famous The Old Vic theatre, Level 3 Performing & Production Arts learners had the opportunity to participate in directing skills seminars with professional directors Maria Laumark and Ed Hill before watching a production of Pygmalion.
And at LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art), a mix of Level 2 and Level 3 students enjoyed a performance of Julius Caesar before taking part in a post-show industry workshop/Q&A with drama school students and the creative team at LAMDA.
Carole Bowles, Performing & Production Arts Lecturer at CWC, said: “This is our second year as part of The Old Vic Theatre Schools Club programme, which offers our Performing & Production Arts students free theatre tickets and production industry skills workshops with The Old Vic this year.
“Level 3 students took part in a directing skills workshop based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion in advance of seeing the highly acclaimed new production at The Old Vic itself.
“With more technical skills planned, the students are looking forward to an exciting year of Old Vic Schools Club membership ahead. Thank you, Old Vic!”
The students certainly enjoyed The Old Vic experience, with one commenting: “The workshop was really interesting because I had the chance to practice directing skills.”
While another happy learner added: “It was really good to have the chance to see the play on The Old Vic stage after doing the workshop in the morning. I could really see how some of the director’s ideas were put on stage along with the costumes, lighting, sound and music.”
The LAMDA workshop also proved a huge hit with staff and students alike.
Lecturer Ms Bowles said: “As well as seeing an innovative approach to a production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, this event was a great opportunity for Performing & Production Arts students to meet current trainees at a highly regarded conservatoire.
“After the performance, our students asked insightful questions about training as well as advice about developing and applying their own skills. The production also introduced students to small-scale touring as part of a professional actor’s job role.
“Thanks to all the company and touring team at LAMDA for all their creativity, wisdom and inspiration.”
Students agreed it a was a fantastic experience.
“It was interesting to see a classical production so close up. I learnt a lot about how I want to prepare for my drama school auditions this year.” — Ext Dip student
“I really liked the actor’s energy, when everyone was on stage. The Q&A session was good, too. It made me think about my own performance skills.” — Level 2 student
“I enjoyed the Q&A where we were given advice about line learning, voice work and how the rehearsals worked when putting the production together.” — Ext Dip student
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
