Students Gain Hands-On Professional Training Through Shakespeare North Playhouse And University Of Lancashire Partnership

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Shakespeare North Playhouse and the University of Lancashire have teamed up to deliver an industry-leading BA (Hons) Acting programme, giving students unparalleled hands-on training, professional workshops, mentoring, and the chance to perform their graduate show on the acclaimed Cockpit Theatre stage.

Shakespeare North Playhouse and University Of Lancashire Partnership

Shakespeare North Playhouse and the University of Central Lancashire have launched a significant new collaboration to enhance the BA (Hons) Acting programme. Beginning in autumn, students on the course now benefit from an expanded training structure that combines academic study with practical, industry-standard experience delivered in direct partnership with the professional theatre.

The programme integrates industry-led learning at every level of the degree. Students take part in practical workshops led by associate artists from Shakespeare North Playhouse, receive group mentoring from the theatre’s creative and producing teams, and develop their performance skills within a working professional venue. A key feature of the final year is a graduate production performed on the main Cockpit Theatre stage in June 2026.

The partnership was formally introduced at the Cockpit Theatre, where all 80 acting students attended a Q&A session with the Playhouse’s leadership team, followed by a special performance of the theatre’s autumn co-production of The Tempest.

Commitment to Accessibility and Community Engagement

Accessibility lies at the heart of Shakespeare North Playhouse’s mission. The venue supports inclusivity through measures such as pay-what-you-decide ticketing and welcoming spaces designed for first-time theatregoers. This collaboration extends that commitment by giving students meaningful, hands-on access to the professional industry within their own local community.

The partnership is designed as a genuine two-way relationship. In addition to providing opportunities, the Playhouse actively seeks and incorporates student input on what they value from a working professional theatre. This includes observing rehearsals, collaborating with associate artists and other industry professionals, and building skills directly on the Cockpit stage, allowing students to become part of a living, operational artistic environment.

Shakespeare’s works remain a cornerstone of actor training, and the Playhouse is committed to supporting the next generation of performers in this inclusive and democratised cultural space.

Boosting Professional Preparation and Employability

The University of Central Lancashire has described the collaboration as a flagship initiative that reinforces the programme’s emphasis on professional training and strong industry links. Students now enjoy exceptional access to the Cockpit Theatre, a deeper engagement with Shakespeare’s texts, and structured opportunities to refine their performance skills while building connections with a network of associate artists.

The partnership has already supported initiatives such as a classical graduate showcase presented to industry professionals. Future plans include expanded workshops with leading practitioners, further strengthening graduates’ employability and professional visibility across the North West and beyond.

Overall, the collaboration aims to nurture emerging talent by offering structured, high-quality exposure to professional practice, helping students make a more confident and prepared transition into the acting industry.

A Landmark Cultural Venue in Prescot

Shakespeare North Playhouse has established itself as a major cultural and educational hub focused on theatre, creativity, and community involvement. Since opening in July 2022, the venue has received widespread recognition, including Theatre Building of the Year at The Stage Awards 2023, RIBA North West Building of the Year 2024, and Entertainment Venue of the Year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.

More than a performance space, the Playhouse delivers world-class productions, interactive learning opportunities, and artistic development programmes. Its facilities include a 420-seat auditorium, an outdoor performance garden funded by the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, a studio theatre, exhibition gallery, learning centre, event spaces, and a Bar & Kitchen with an outdoor piazza.

The venue plays a vital role in Knowsley’s regeneration by creating jobs, supporting skills development, and promoting community well-being. It also reconnects Prescot with its rich Elizabethan heritage, inspiring audiences across the wider region. Since opening, nearly 300,000 people have visited the Playhouse, with 10% of those visitors attending a theatre for the first time.

Shakespeare North Playhouse is a National Portfolio Organisation, supported by funding from Knowsley Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Arts Council England, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The University of Central Lancashire: A Global Institution

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a large, international university with origins dating back to 1828. It is one of the UK’s biggest higher education providers, serving a community of nearly 42,000 staff and students across campuses in Preston, Burnley, Westlakes, London, and Cyprus.

UCLan offers an employment-focused portfolio of more than 350 undergraduate programmes, almost 200 postgraduate courses, and a wide range of continuing professional development opportunities. The university attracts students from over 100 countries and maintains partnerships with 123 institutions worldwide. It ranks in the top 7% of universities globally according to the Center for World University Rankings 2024.

This partnership represents a strategic step forward in connecting academic training with real-world professional theatre practice, equipping the next generation of actors with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to thrive in the industry.

Find more now:

Shakespeare North Playhouse
Prospero Place,
Prescot,
L34 3AB
Website: shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
Phone: 0151 433 7156
Instagram: @shakespearenorthplayhouse
Facebook: Shakespeare North Playhouse
LinkedIn: Shakespeare North Playhouse

University of Lancashire
Preston,
Lancashire, UK
PR1 2HE
Website: lancashire.ac.uk/
Phone: 01772 201201
Instagram: @unilancashire
Facebook: Uni Lancashire
LinkedIn: Uni Lancashir