World's first degree in Pantomime launched... Oh yes it is!
You SHALL go to the Graduation Ball...
A new degree is being launched dedicated to the art of PANTOMIME!
It's the world's first degree in panto and it's apparently much more than learning when to shout "He's behind you" and "Oh no it isn't"!
The MA Contemporary Pantomime Practice from Staffordshire University offers research and practical study of the much-loved British institution which brings in vital revenue to UK theatres each year.
The course is developed in partnership with the Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, and supported by the UK's leading pantomime producers, the emphasis of the MA is strongly vocational, providing formal industry training and careers networking through placements and work experience.
Course Leader Richard Cheshire, who is currently directing a production of Snow White at Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre, told MFR News: “Pantomime is one of Britain’s great contributions to world theatre and we want to increase respect for this interactive art form. It is an annual tradition for families and is often where children get their first experience of ‘live’ theatre.
“Much has been written about the history and development of British pantomime, but very little research is currently investigating and analysing contemporary manifestations of the form. It is a great period of innovation for the genre which we want to be at the cutting edge of.”
The first degree of its kind in the world
The MA, which starts in September 2022, will look at pantomime through a 21st century lens and offer routes for students to become a panto dame or a director. Students will also devise, create, produce and tour their own original pantomime across the local area.
Jonathan Wilkes, Principal of Wilkes Academy, is currently starring in his 17th pantomime at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent. He said: “We are so excited to be launching this new degree with Staffordshire University.
"Pantomime is an incredibly important part of British culture which brings people together and is loved across all ages. It has been a big part of my life and I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge and skills to support the next generation of panto professionals.”
Pantomime generates £60m across the UK
It is estimated that more than 260 professional pantomimes are staged in Britain each year.
Although much enjoyed at Christmas, pantomime is not just festive or seasonal. Many producing houses employ set and costume designers, props and wig makers, script writers, dance specialists, musical directors and arrangers, marketing and publicity experts, producers, archivists and creators in managerial and leadership roles throughout the year.
Christopher Biggins, seasoned actor and pantomime legend, added: “When I was starting my pantomime career over 50 years ago, I wish I could have gone along the route of getting an MA.”
Television presenter and panto star Stephen Mulhern said: “This MA is the perfect training ground for performers on stage, technical team, backstage to learn first-hand their skills within this live area of entertainment.
"Pantomimes have become the highest grossing theatre productions annually for theatres across the UK, often being seen as the lifesaver within the industry due to the profit each panto generates keeping theatres alive.”