Theatrical Musings over New Name

South Devon College are open to suggestions when it comes to the official naming of their purpose-built Theatre at their Vantage Point campus in Paignton, in a new competition open to the public.

The College’s celebrated Performing Arts section has staged a number of internal and external theatrical performances at their theatre in the 5 years that it has existed. Most recently they hosted the famous Forkbeard Fantasy Theatre Company, and have a number of student shows planned for the year. New Section Head of Music and Performing Arts, Caroline Hughes, decided that the name “South Devon College Theatre” wasn’t nearly creative enough, and has set the College and the South Devon Public the challenge of coming up with a new name:

“We have a fabulous theatre at the College that shows a variety of cutting edge visiting artists work alongside our own fabulous productions. This year we have a full programme of events planned for our students but unfortunately our theatre has no official name. We felt it only the right thing to let our students, staff and the South Devon Public – those that use our theatre the most – decide what they would like to see on the door when they visit, and by doing so create a focal point for cutting edge and developing arts in the Bay.”

The winner of the South Devon College “Name our Theatre” competition will receive two free tickets to two of their chosen performances this year. They will also be invited to South Devon College to unveil the new name in an official naming ceremony and have their name immortalised on a formal commemorative plaque outside the Theatre itself.

Up and coming student performances include: The Gathering, a Christmas celebration of drama, music, dance and poetry on the 8th and 9th of December; and Yule Fest!, on the 14th and 15th of December, featuring a collection of songs, performances and technical wizardry.

South Devon College are also welcoming The Old Dance Company in for a special performance on 27th January 2011, they are a critically acclaimed, professional company comprise of a seven piece folk band.

Major student performances in 2011 include: an abridge version of ‘The Scottish Play’ Macbeth by William Shakespeare on 16th and 17th March; The Final Major Project of the College’s University Level Performing Arts students and a culmination of their work throughout the year on the 9th and 12th May; The Big Gig, held at the Palace Avenue Theatre on 11th May, this is a showcase of all Music Learners new found talents for the year (tickets also available online on the Palace Avenue webpage); and the end of year show Rent!, a tale of rejection, love, illness and drugs all set to the wonderful music of John Larson.

Anyone who has an inspiring name in mind for the competition can cast their vote and give their suggestions free online at www.southdevon.ac.uk/nameourtheatre. To book a ticket to any of the shows above, email caroline.hughes@southdevon.ac.uk or call the college box office hotline on 01803 540471. As Caroline says:

“Please come along and see the wonderful performances by the artists of the future. You will not get a better chance to see these fabulous performances in such an outstanding theatre environment.”

For more information visit http://www.southdevon.ac.uk/nameourtheatre