The sudden and dramatic impact of coronavirus on teaching and performance, on a global scale, has forced the industry to look at new and alternative ways to work, but Peckham’s Mountview Academy teachers say they’re determined to maintain world-class drama training and industry recognition to students.
The drama school plans to deliver online teaching and ensure that students can continue to access the vital parts of their continuing drama training and to meet the ongoing requirements of their degrees. The school is working with academic partners, the University of East Anglia and Trinity College London, to identify alternative assessments and is “confident in our ability to graduate all relevant students this summer,” according to a spokesperson for Mountview Academy.
“We are determined that our third year students will not miss out on any opportunities at this important time in their careers, and are committed to providing the best possible showcase for Mountview’s students to the industry,” the spokesperson said.
Whilst performances are suspended temporarily in Mountview’s new auditorium, which was made possible due to a generous £1 million gift from West End figurehead Sir Cameron Mackintosh, the school is creating online show reels for all graduating acting, actor musicianship and musical theatre students. This digital platform will include self-taped monologues, songs and instrument work. Mountview’s in-house creative teams will provide direction as well as support around movement, voice and accompaniment. The final showcase will be shared with the industry at the end of April.
“While our building is currently closed, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Peckham community and the wider creative and performing arts industries,” the spokesperson said.
“When the time is right Mountview looks forward to welcoming back students, relaunching our community programme and reopening our home for professional artists to regroup and rebuild their world.”