The Sunday Sessions at BSPA

THE SHOW MUST GO ON! 

LEADING THEATRE SCHOOL LAUNCHES THE SUNDAY SESSIONS

The Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA), Northern Ireland’s leading youth theatre school, is issuing a curtain call for young people to take part in the newly launched Sunday Sessions, scheduled to take place each  Sunday from October to mid-December.

Aimed at young people, aged 14 – 25, the project will connect Northern Ireland’s performing talent with top industry professionals to offer a series of face to ‘socially distanced’ face masterclasses led by experts in film and stagecraft.

BSPA Artistic Director, Peter Corry believes the upcoming series of Sunday masterclasses will benefit local talent both now and in the future.

“Because of the pandemic, the entertainment industry across the whole world has been decimated, and the return to theatres and performances is much slower than anticipated,” West End star said. 

“But we performers are always optimistic and truly believe that the show will and must go on. So we are using this enforced downtime productively to lay the groundwork for the stars of the future. 

“BSPA’s Sunday Sessions will connect ambitious young people with exceptionally talented and accomplished stars of stage, screen and production to inspire and help them grow in confidence and we excited about the incredible stars who will be giving up their time to teach our students at The Sunday Sessions.” 

“I really believe in the ability of musical and theatre to benefit young people as they grow and develop into young adults. You are never too young to perform, and it’s never too late to start learning,” Peter said.

“Stagecraft encourages discipline and dedication. It nurtures close friendships, self-confidence, determination and an array of transferable skills that help students succeed not only on stage but in their day-to-day lives. Being part of a theatre school offers a creative outlet to express emotions in a safe environment which allows it teens to grow into confident adults. 

“Young people have been under tremendous pressure, and stress since the start of lockdown but theatre can improve their mental health and show them that the future will be brighter.”

Tina Mcveigh, Director at BSPA says; “I strongly encourage those interested in expanding their learning in the field of music, theatre, dance and film to book a place on BSPA’s upcoming Sunday Sessions and avail of this unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. For young actors, dancers, and singers, these unique sessions are simply not to be missed.”

BSPA Sunday Sessions have attracted some major players from the world of stage and screen to share the secrets of the professional world of entertainment, both in front of and behind the cameras. 

Expert tutors for the performance masterclasses include star of Les Misérables, Killian Donnelly, film and TV actor Cameron Jack, who appeared in Batman The Dark Knight Rises; actor and director Ross White, Kelly Downing who is a member of Hamilton’s West End cast and ‘We Will Rock You’ Broadway star David Michael Johnson.

BSPA will also be creating, devising and shooting a short film during the course of the Sunday Sessions to give insight and experience to those interested in working behind  and in front of the camera. 

Some of The Sunday Sessions can be booked as individual masterclasses but the film course will run as a seven week course and attendance will be required each week for those taking part. (Times to be confirmed.)

Founded in 2010, BSPA specialises in teaching singing, dancing and drama to over 600 young people aged 3-19 years of age, of all abilities and backgrounds across eight different schools in Northern Ireland.

To the delight of all their dedicated students, BSPA activities and classes have now resumed with COVID19 safety measures strictly adhered to.

There is limited space in each class, so to avoid disappointment we suggest you book soon. To do so, go to the links below.

For further press information or to arrange an interview, please contact Nicola Taggart on 074 6886 6808 or email 1visionpr@gmail.com

The Sunday Sessions Schedule

October 4, 2020, 9am to 4pm: Behind the Barricade –  A Masterclass on Les Misérables with Killian Donnelly.

Killian has risen through the ranks of Les Miserables since joining the London cast in 2008. He worked his way up from understudy to a student and eventually to playing a number of lead roles, he also appeared in the film and played Jean Val Jean in the international tour of the show.

Killian has also played leading roles in such musicals as The Commitments and Memphis both on the West End and Kinky Boots on Broadway. Most recently he was also was playing the role of the Phantom in the UK tour of the show up until it halted due to Covid19.

The chance to work with him is a fantastic opportunity for anyone between the ages of 14 and 25 who loves musical theatre.

He will work with those who take part on the characters, the music, and the story that makes this the iconic musical it is.

A not to be missed experience for anyone who loves this incredible show.

Please note there are discounts for anyone taking part in all sessions.

October 11 & 18, 2020: The Film – A Masterclass in Film Making with Ross White

Actor and director Ross White will help young people develop the skills required for film making both in front and behind the camera.

Ross is an actor, director and workshop leader originally from Belfast. He graduated from the Guildford School of Acting in 2017. 

Since then he has worked professionally as an actor across the UK and Ireland in both theatre and film. 

Ross has also directed many productions locally including a NODA nominated production of Spring Awakening.

 He is passionate about encouraging young people of all backgrounds to develop confidence through the performing arts. 

December 20, 2020: Acting for Camera Masterclass with Cameron Jack 

Cameron has appeared in films such as Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, Perfect Skin and Calibre. His TV credits include Emmerdale, Silent Witness, Outlander and Call the Midwife. He will be passing on his huge amount of knowledge and working on the best methods to approach a performance for screen and TV.

December 29, 2020, 1pm to 3pm: Dance Hamilton Masterclass with Kelly Downing 

Kelly Downing is a member of the London cast of global stage musical hit Hamilton. With a string of credits to her name including Grease and The Bodyguard, Kelly has also danced with pop star Olly Murs at the Brit Awards. She has performed in pantomime, stage shows and television and her dance masterclass for BSPA will conclude with an informative Q&A session for those interested in following in her choreographed footsteps.

November 8, 15 & 22, 2020: A Masterclass in Film Making with Ross White

Actor and director Ross White will help young people develop the skills required for film making both in front and behind the camera.

November 29, 2020: We Will Rock You Masterclass with David Michael Johnson

A Masterclass with David-Michael Johnson on rock musicals. David (or DMJ as he’s known to his friends) is an American lead performer from shows such as We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Rent and Jesus Christ Superstar. He talks about and works on the unique style needed for a rock musical and the ways to deliver a stand-out performance.

December 6 & 13, 2020: A Masterclass in Film Making with Ross White

Actor and director Ross White will help young people develop the skills required for film making both in front and behind the camera.