Applied Theatre students making an impact in the community

As part of their Community Project module, Applied Theatre students have been delivering drama and theatre workshops with elderly residents at Middleton Road Community Centre in Kings Heath.

Delivered over eight weeks, the workshops focused on celebrating the importance of community gatherings and their benefits to residents.

The workshops saw final-year students working with residents from Middleton Road in a series of storytelling, poem writing, and music sessions.

“I feel like I really made an impact on residents,” said student Kian Bentley.

Students celebrated the culmination of eight weeks of workshops with a special coffee morning, hosted alongside industry professional Molly Guilfoyle from the Open Theatre.

The celebration morning radiated pride and positivity from the residents, who thanks to the students, were given a platform where they could share stories, talk, and laugh in a trusting environment.

Student Kate Kappers, said: “It was the perfect way to tie up the loose ends of eight weeks of hard work and exploration.

“I think the most rewarding part of the experience was the opportunity to build real relationships with the residents, seeing them engage with the activities and feel more comfortable sharing stories about their amazing lives.”