Unveiling the Curtain: A Day at the Performance Academy

Melissa: Welcome, good morning. How are you?

Student: Ugh, I cannot believe public transport. The train was cancelled again, but I managed to get the 620 here. Love when you can see the chimney, it means the journey is almost over.

Melissa: Well, come on in and get settled.

(Downstairs, as the lift resettles. The room is bustling. People dashing around to put their coats and bags in their lockers. Whilst others dart to the kitchen to get one more caffeine hit, others chat away the morning rush)

After a while, “Performance Academy, we have two minutes.” It’s heard throughout the space.

Student: Great, I am just popping my lunch in the fridge. It does need heating. Will you help me microwave it?

Melissa: Of course. What are you doing today?

Student: Dance Choreography: hopefully, there will be a sharing soon.

10 am- (Once so full, the room is emptying into studios around the building. You find yourself sitting on the sprung floor in the bright and airy room filled with familiar faces. Bare feet enjoying the feeling of the cool, clean floor below)

Melissa: How is everyone feeling, 5,6,7, 8.

11:30 am- (Studios empty as the central space erupts with chatter, wafts from hot drinks and music from the TikTok video being made by the stairs blares. The room just to the side is a haven of quiet. A chance to gather thoughts, research today’s themes on the computers and a moment of quiet.)

Melissa: How was the session?

Student: Good, we have been looking at physical theatre. We are hoping to try some contact improvisation in the next session.

Melissa: Sounds great. I can’t wait to see it.

11:45 am- (back in the studio, a chance to explore the themes. Within this safe environment, a space to be challenged and supported to succeed.)

Student: Well then, let’s give this a go!

1:00 pm- (Lunch, back in the central space. A chance for you to hear what else is happening in the building)

Student: Thank you. Would you mind popping that on my table? It is too hot.

Melissa: No problem. What did you get up to in the last session?

Student: We tried contact improvisation in partners, and it’s a good job I trust mine. I did need some encouragement. What has One Day been up to?

Melissa: We were up in the recording studio, recording our original song.

Student: Ooo, nice

1:45 pm- (back in session, a chance to reflect, rehearse and share our learning. One Day eagerly await at the studio door, waiting to see Performance Academy share their work)

Melissa: Come on in and take a seat.  

(Performance Academy stands at the space’s edges, ready to spring into action. One Day admires the confidence and Performance Academy’s presence in the space. The day concludes with feedback followed by a cool down)

3:00 pm-(home)

Melissa: Have a good evening!

Student: Yes, ready for music tomorrow.

Melissa Jackson

Learning & Participation Coordinator

Find out more about the Performance Academy below

Performance Academy