Performing and Production Arts students at Lewisham College worked together to reinvent the Pantomime and deliver a digital experience as a response to the cancellation of this year's Variety Show.
Thinking innovatively and originally, the students produced a Christmas card that brings their Pantomime performance to the fingertips of the audience in the safety of their homes. The card contains multiple QR codes that link to clips of various Pantomime scenes recreated and filmed by the students.
Asfa Sohail, Principal at Lewisham College, said: "I'm impressed by our students' resilience, innovative approach and desire to bring joy to people this Christmas. I enjoyed seeing such a clever and contemporary project come to life, and I hope that soon we will be able to put on live performances."
Working on this project, students developed skills in building scenery and operating lighting and sound as well as taking part in filmmaking, editing and acting in front of the camera.
Ian Shillito, Performing and Production Arts, teacher, added: "I'm proud of all of our students; they excelled in their collaborative roles and were fully committed throughout this unique project to continue to spread the message of Pantomime; togetherness, laughter and good triumphing over evil."
In the spirit of community togetherness, another one of the Pantomime's key themes, the Christmas cards will be distributed to a range of local community groups, care homes and primary schools, as well as to students' families and friends.
Courtney Dill, Production Arts student, commented: "It has been so much fun to be part of this project, and we hope it will deliver some much-needed Christmas cheer. Our class has not only gained valuable experience, but we also really enjoyed the production process and learning new skills."
The new Performing and Production Arts courses at Lewisham College are delivered in partnership with Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. The College's Creative, Performing and Production Arts provision includes a range of courses for 16-18s and adults designed to nurture performers and creatives to develop skills in production, performance, art and design.
To discover more, visit lewisham.ac.uk/courses/creative-arts
