No Place Like Home: Students raise funds for accessible performance
Glasgow Clyde College students have shown courage and heart by raising money in the local community to fund a British Sign Language (BSL)/English performance of their 2018 pantomime, The Wizard of Oz.
Dorothy, Toto, the Tinman, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow all took to Asda’s Toryglen checkouts to pack bags and raise enough money to deliver an accessible performance for those who are deaf or are hearing impaired. For the matinee performance on 1 December the cast will be joined by Yvonne Strain and Catherine King, established performance interpreters (BSL/English).
Anne McMullen, Head of Curriculum - Media and Performing Arts said:
“We work closely with many charities, promoting inclusion and teaching students that theatre and creativity is an artform which should be accessible to all. We are very happy to be able to offer a sign language performance this year, thanks to the cast who have been working hard to raise funds to make it possible.”
In the lead up to show season, HNC and HND Acting and Performance students have been visiting local primary schools to deliver theatre workshops, teaching pupils the songs and dances, as well as introducing them to the show’s characters. Matinee performances will allow local schools to attend the show, while evening performances are open to the general public with some tickets still available.
Students studying on the College’s acting and performance courses will take to the stage at the purpose-built theatre at its Langside campus for a total of 14 performance; six of which are open to the public and 8 for schools in the local community. The two week run opens on Friday 30 November.
David Lee Michael, Senior lecturer at the College and director of the show said: “Pantomime season is always an enjoyable one for our students – the skills they have been developing over the first term are put into practice and the show is usually a sell-out. We are always looking for innovative ways to integrate our practice with the local community and visiting schools and raising funds has allowed our students to make a difference to those around the theatre. We hope they have an excellent run and wish them the best of luck.”
The Wizard of Oz runs from 30 November – 8 December. Tickets are priced £11 for adults and £8 for concessions and are available at https://allevents.in/org/glasgow-clyde-college/13806071