Spectacular Launch for College’s National Skills Academy

City College Norwich’s Creative Arts students have staged a dynamic show of fashion, music, singing and dance to celebrate the achievement of becoming a Founder College of the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills. The show, called ‘Launch’, took place on Tuesday 2nd March at Epic Studios in Norwich, with live web broadcasts of the performances for those not lucky enough to have a ticket. 

Launch, which was supported by City & Guilds, featured a catwalk show of clothing and accessories designed and created by Textiles students from intricate lacework to full on theatrical glamour. There were vibrant routines from Dance students including a version of Jai Ho from the Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire and choreographed performances to Cheryl Coles single Fight for this Love. Performances followed from talented singers and musicians at the college, including Shani Cantor and Kellie Browne, who recently appeared in the sponsors’ clips of ITV's Popstar to Operastar.  Music producer Robin Millar and BBC Look East presenter Carol Bundock were guests of honour at the show.

The show exhibited a full range of skills from within the School of Creative Arts, both in terms of the performances and also in the backstage roles and organisation of the event.  Posters and publicity for the show were designed by Graphics students, Media students produced a video trailer and recorded the show on the night, Technical Theatre students stage managed and designed sound and lighting and Photography students captured images from the show.  In addition, Hair and Beauty students styled the hair and make up for the performers, and the college’s Hotel School students provided the catering.

The National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills (NSA) is a network of creative and cultural employers, colleges and other organisations working to develop, improve and recognise the skills of people working in the sector. City College Norwich is one of 20 Founder Colleges in the country.  Gaining this status provides recognition for the extensive work the college already does with creative employers in the region, as well as providing new opportunities to do even more to provide employers with the skills they need. 

One example of this is through the new Creative Apprenticeship, which the college has recently started delivering.  The Creative Apprenticeship provides training and a work-based route into the sector in a diverse range of offstage occupations. There are six pathways to choose from, including Live Events and Promotion, the Music Business (Recording Industry), Technical Theatre (Rigging, Lighting and Sound), Costume and Wardrobe, Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations and Community Arts Management.      

City College Norwich Principal, Dick Palmer, said: “I am really proud that City College Norwich is one of the Founder Colleges of the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills, which will further enhance our work with employers in this important and growing sector of the local economy.  Our students have put a lot of hard work into preparing for Launch and it was a tremendous show.”

Jo Pretty, Head of the School of Creative Arts said: "I don't know how to express how proud we are of the young people here tonight. The students have done incredibly well and put so much work into the show. This has been invaluable industry experience for everyone involved. From pitching their ideas to staff in the beginning to stage managing the show tonight, the students have really owned this event from start to finish."

Pauline Tambling, Managing Director of the NSA said: “The NSA is delighted to celebrate City College Norwich’s status as a Founder College. The College has worked closely to develop the NSA since the very beginning, and has taken a lead in working with local Industry Members to deliver key projects, including Offstage Choices° careers days, the Creative Apprenticeship and the new Diploma in Creative and Media.”