Performing Arts Students Gain Valuable Experience in Spain

Twelve students from L3 Performing Arts Practice courses (across Bangor and Lisburn campuses) took part in an Erasmus+ Work Placement trip to Barcelona, where they worked in local theatres and arts venues for two weeks. The students also took part in a number of cultural activities including a tour of Girona, a visit to the Dali Museum and a tour of La Sagrada Familia.

Joined by SERC staff Steven Lee, Natasha Lloyd, Jenny Curtis and Stuart Murray, students Amy-Jane Welshman, Erin Black, Maya Skinner, Molly McToal, Owen Brown, Peter Ritchie, Sophie Majury, Yasmin Janahi, Beth McMeekin, Emily Flain, Mollie Russell, and Niamh McGuigan had an enjoyable and educationally beneficial trip to Spain.

The students were able to sample the culture, tradition and history of a range of different theatres and venues both in Barcelona and further afield.

Maya and Mollie worked at Sala Ars Teatre, a theatre that offers a huge variety of plays. Whilst there, they were given the opportunity to work in a number of roles including Front of House, setting up and taking down for performances, and learning technical aspects of theatre including lighting. Due to the style of theatre, they were also able to watch several productions during their time there.

Molly and Niamh gained some valuable experience at Teatre Gaudí de Barcelona, a specialist theatre that puts on shows mostly for children and families. Molly and Niamh thoroughly enjoyed their experience as they were able to form good relationships with the staff and the actors. They got the opportunity to work Front of House, which improved their Spanish and Catalan, sat in on rehearsals and warmups and were able to shadow various members of the theatre team.

Peter, Yasmin & Beth got the opportunity to observe the amazing work at Sala Atrium, located in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample. Sala Atrium hosts a program of ‘auteur theatre’, where the main goal is to establish a close relationship with the public as well as celebrate the artistic work of the teams. The students had the opportunity to observe the production of a new spectacle with the technical team working with models, live cameras, sound spaces and lighting, among other technical parts of the production before the premiere.

Amy-Jane & Owen worked at Teatre Círcol, a theatre located in the city of Badalona, 15 km from Barcelona. Owen and AJ had the opportunity to work closely with Manel, who ran the theatre as he assisted with a production of “Queen Arthur”. As Círcol is a local community theatre space, the students were interviewed by a local news team who were interested in their placement.

The final placement of the trip saw Sophie, Emily & Erin work at Casino Prado, a historical theatre located in Sitges, 40km from Barcelona. This theatre provided the students with a number of opportunities, including watching different performances, observing rehearsals and also a trip to Institute of the Arts, Barcelona, which is an international performing arts training college. This trip particularly excited the students and allowed them to consider potential progression opportunities outside the UK. 

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.