Rugby College Performing Arts Degree Students Selected by The Birmingham REP for Prestigious Showcase

Current and recently graduated students on the BA (Hons) Performing Arts course at Rugby College, part of WCG, were invited by the esteemed Birmingham REP Theatre to present their original, devised work as part of the theatre’s new writing initiative – Scratch Day. This exciting opportunity took place at The REP’s Baroness Floella Benjamin Young REP Hub, a dynamic space where the theatre hosts a wide range of community outreach activities, including its nationally acclaimed youth programme, the Young REP.

Final year student Bryn Richards shared an excerpt of his dissertation piece, Soulmates, a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work exploring themes around assisted dying. Combining deeply personal anecdotes and contemporary social issues, the performance moved audiences and was met with valuable feedback from REP Associate Directors and key figures from the theatre’s Creative Learning and Talent Development teams.

Bryn’s collaborative team includes second-year student Elliot Donovan, and recent Performing Arts graduates Sky-Bleu Rosser-Harris and Kelise Foster. Sky-Bleu brings experience as both an actor and writer, while Kelise has previously starred as Ophelia in a Shakespearean monologue showcase at the Birmingham Hippodrome, organised by the acclaimed Mawa Theatre Company – the UK’s first all-Black, all-female Shakespeare company representing women of the African diaspora.

The REP will now support Bryn and his team as they continue to develop the piece for future performance opportunities – a clear demonstration of the theatre’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and championing new voices in the performing arts.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in a growing relationship between Rugby College and The Birmingham REP, with both institutions sharing a deep belief in the power of theatre to drive social change, build community, and unlock creative potential. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to bridge the gap between education and industry, equipping students with real-world experience, mentorship, and the confidence to pursue professional creative careers.

Liam Clarke, Head of School for Creative Arts at Rugby College, commented:

“We are excited about how our new relationship with the REP offers our graduates invaluable mentorship. And we are delighted to support students with their ambitious plans. Resilience, determination and a do-it-yourself attitude is so important when seeking work in the entertainment industry and our students' entrepreneurial drive is something we foster and encourage. This kind of experience – performing original work for industry professionals – is exactly what sets our graduates apart.”

As theatre continues to be a powerful force for storytelling, self-expression and cultural dialogue, initiatives like this underline Rugby College’s commitment to creating pathways into the arts for a new generation of performers, writers and creatives.

To learn more about Performing Arts degrees starting in September 2025 at Rugby College, visit the WCUC website: www.wcuc.ac.uk