Meet the students involved in Dissocia and Made in Dagenham

Performing Arts learners brought the curtain down on their final projects by putting on two fantastic theatrical performances. Learners surpassed expectations as they performed ‘The Wonderful World of Dissocia’ and ‘Made in Dagenham’ (the musical), displaying outstanding acting abilities throughout.

Here, cast members reflect on the performances and explain why they enjoy studying performing arts.

DISSOCIA

Ben, previously from Backwell School

Performing Arts (Acting Pathway)

The Wonderful World of Dissocia in just three words? Captivating, intriguing and wild. The word ‘Dissocia’ comes from ‘dissociative disorder’, which is a mental health issue that the protagonist, Lisa Jones, suffers with. This is hinted at throughout the first act but finally revealed in the final act.

Lauren Easterby, previously from Priory School

Performing Arts (Acting Pathway)

The lead role of Lisa was really challenging and without Fiona and the rest of the lecturers, I think I would have struggled and perhaps given up. But I kept going thanks to her support. The hardest bit for me was to be able to convey the things she goes through correctly, because it’s all based around a mental disorder. Not experiencing that yourself, makes it really hard to capture how that feels and express that to an audience in the appropriate way. To prepare for it I had help with research and did exercises and workshops to get myself into that headspace, and also get myself out, which is also really important.

Paul, previously from Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College

Performing Arts (Acting Pathway)

My favourite thing about performing arts is definitely the creativity and the imagination it allows you to use. There’s a lot of freedom within it and you get to take on other people’s stories. Learning or creating something new that you didn’t know was there is absolutely amazing! I played Ticket, Dr Clark and two other roles, one of which included puppeteering. Ticket stood out for me and I did so much research around him, I even made up my own backstory, which was crazy. I loved to see the creativity – it was insane!

Stephanie, previously from Gordano School

Performing Arts (Acting Pathway)

The final moment on stage for Dissocia was a really proud moment. As this is my second year, it was my final major project and it just felt like a brilliant way to express all of my emotions on stage. From a very young age I did a lot of dancing and was eager to perform in front of people. I remember wanting to perform a limbo dance on stage when I was on holiday at three years old. Since then I’ve always wanted to be on stage.

Fiona Philp, Performing Arts Lecturer and Director for The Wonderful World of Dissocia added: “I’ve been really impressed with the learners’ maturity as the play covers themes that are challenging, topical and tough.

“They all stepped out of their comfort zones and were really willing to experiment and explore new ways of thinking. This flexibility is highly commendable alongside their levels of commitment and professionalism.”

MADE IN DEGENHAM

Ben, previously from Worle School

Performing Arts (Acting Pathway)

Made in Dagenham is based on the true story of how women finally got equal pay to men, or at least how that journey began. It focuses on a housewife and her journey achieving equality at Ford factory car development service. In the 1950s there were very little rights for women so it’s important to raise awareness and remind people how far we’ve come. As much fun as a play is, I would always choose to do a musical. The singing and choreography just adds so much more. It rises it up and hits you a lot more which is why I love musical theatre.

Holly, previously from Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College

Performing Arts (Acting Pathway)

There was an overwhelming feeling of pride and passion during the final performance. I can’t really explain the feeling – it’s very euphoric. You put all of that work in and it just pays off in that moment. Performing arts is unique. There’s nothing better than the feeling of finishing your favourite number or completing a dance you never thought you’d be able to do. Compared to the start of the course, I feel like my confidence has quadrupled! With the lecturers pushing you, you can do anything. I never thought I would be able to play a lead, but I did.

Joe Miller, Dance Lecturer and Made in Dagenham choreographer, said: “The process began just 11 weeks ago. The learners developed their singing abilities and projection as well as overcoming hurdles like learning accents, as the musical is set in Essex. They also worked on all the set changes themselves and came together as a company as there was no back stage help.

“After weeks of rehearsal the students, who range in ages and levels, produced an amazing show to a very high standard. I’m very proud and couldn’t be happier with the musical.”

Lisa Frost, Performing Arts Lecturer and Made in Dagenham director, added: “It was an amazing process. Some of our learners are first years and have never done anything like this. Over a short period of time, there was a lot of great collaboration between different levels and ages within the cast. They guided and supported each other, gave feedback and worked together to achieve a massive journey of development.”

As part of the Creative Arts Summer Showcase, the Performing Arts cast will be accompanied by UCW degree learners in an end-of-year stage performance of “Sorry For The Inconvenience - We Are Trying To Change The World” on Wednesday 19th June, 7:30pm at the Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare. Click here to get your tickets.