I was sent this from the University of Teesside.

Acting for Greenscreen

Teesside University is  launching  an exciting new  opportunity for actors in the North East region.

Developed as part of a innovative suite of short courses designed for professional practitioners working in new media technologies, this is a unique opportunity for actors in the region to get ‘hands on experience’ working with industry professionals in the University’s outstanding state of the art soundstage facility.

University recently hosted the BBC Connect and Create conference which this year  focussed on the BBC’s move to Salford and the implication for the Creative Industries in the North Region.Key note speakers included Mark Thompson Director General of the BBC and Peter Salmon Director of BBC North.

Mark Thompson commented that Teesside Univeristy is:

‘One of the modern Universities in the UK which has really seized the opportunity to  play a leadership role in developing the skills we are all going to need if the British Creative Industries are going to work ‘

Link to Teesside web story - http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/news/pressreleases_story.cfm?story_id=3309&this_issue_title=February%202010&this_issue=201

Actors who meet the acceptance criteria will be eligible for up to 90% subsidy against the full cost of course fees  – please see attached details re eligibility for the  Economic Challenge Investment Fund  and BNE Flexible Skills Fund.

For further information contact James McDermott on: 01642 384 087 or email: j.mcdermott@tees.ac.uk or Scott Watson on 01642 38738527 or email s.watson@tees.ac.uk

I have pleasure in confirming 12 weeks of drama workshops for KS2 pupils and 6 weeks of circus skills with the KS1 pupils at Preston Primary in Eaglescliffe. Both after school clubs will start in January and promise to be a big hit. The children will learn about all aspects of live performance and will contribute ideas towards a final sharing in front of family and friends. The younger children will learn about a different circus skill each week including juggling and diablo.

Watch this space for more information and an excellent link with the University of Teesside’s performing arts students.

I was asked to deliver a lecture in Marketing an Event to the second year BA Hons Performance for Live and Recorded Media degree students yesterday. I did an hour of lecture followed by an hour of workshop and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were some great ideas generated by the students which I hope will develop into a reality when it comes to marketing their own events in Feb 2010.

Thanks to Sarah O’Brien for the opportunity. I hope I can get involved again in the future. Here is some info on the course

Well it’s all over. Thanks so much to all fourteen actors who got involved and were happy to dress as Vikings and spend the last four evenings flying around Redcar & Cleveland on buses! The audiences were really impressed and all the feedback I have had has been positive. Thanks again to the University of Teesside for auditioning their performing arts degree students for the part. A good link that I hope to develop. Thanks to Saltburn 53 society for some of the costumes, and everyone else that got involved.

I experienced the event on Sunday and what a beautiful, well thought out and professionally produced event it was. Magnetic Events and the Council did a phenomenal job and I enjoyed working with them. I really hope Redcar & Cleveland Council commission more large scale cultural activities as this was a big hit.

On with the next project!

I am delighted to announce that four students from the University of Teesside’s Performing Arts course are now on board with the Odin’s Glow park and ride events. The University were very keen for some of their students to be given the opportunity to work as actors in a real world environment. Course leader Sarah O’Brien was excited by the idea and held auditions for over thirty students, from which four were chosen. They complete the line up and are raring to go. Thanks to Sarah and Department Head Ronan Paterson for their support, swift responses, and willingness to be involved.