Welcome

I am thrilled to welcome you to our 19th season of Common Ground. In what we all know has been a challenging year for our extended theatre family, it is incredible that we are able to share the work of our graduating Year 13 Theatre students, all who have worked tirelessly throughout the last year. Here at BRIT we believe in creative problem solving, and I am so excited to be able to share our ambitious season of work with you. We all know too well the importance of theatre and telling stories, that is why we have been committed to encouraging our young people to continue being creative throughout their time away from Selhurst.

This year is a unique and special season, all of the work began rehearsals from our young people's homes. After Christmas we knew we would start the term with 2 weeks of online learning, which quickly turned into 9 weeks. The vigour and creativity that the students showed throughout is testament to how they have managed themselves throughout this past 12 months. This year we are pleased to have our first sponsor of Common Ground, the Royal Bank of Canada, we appreciate their support.

Of course we are missing having you in our theatre experiencing the shows, however we are fortunate to be able to use The Obie theatre to live stream the productions. We have been supported throughout the process in our collaboration with the Production Arts department. Their students and staff have stage managed the shows, designed and built the sets, costumes, lighting and sound, as well as developing new skills in streaming this season. It is deeply impressive what the students and staff have achieved.

The season this year continues to encompass the core of Common Ground, which was first produced in 2003. The thread that has run through every season has been a programme of scripted plays that have been chosen to challenge, inspire and provoke the young actors who perform them. Common Ground is a season that links both the future and the past, the theatre is often full of former students who come back to support the school, as well as students already at the school who are looking forward to being a part of Common Ground when they reach Year 13. We know many of our Theatre family: friends, alumni, parents and guardians from across the years have been able to join us to view the shows at home, and we thank you all for your continued support.

Sarah Goodall

Director of Theatre

The BRIT School is the only State school (non-fee paying) dedicated to performing arts and technology which is sponsored, and indeed was founded by the British Record Industry Trust. The school has a unique atmosphere of support and respect which helps cultivate the ability and talent of our young people. Our outstanding achievements at both Key stage 4 and Post 16 in vocational and academic qualifications testify to our success, as do the range of successful alumni now working and studying in the performing and creative industries. The Theatre department is committed to offering young people a broad range of opportunities to perform, write, devise and direct theatre in a creative learning environment.

The Royal Bank of Canada Emerging Artists Programme in Partnership with The BRIT School

As a committed supporter of the arts, RBC launched their Emerging Artist Project in Europe in November 2020. The BRIT School were delighted to be chosen as a lead partner in this forward-thinking programme that perfectly aligns with the School’s commitment to nurture talent and break down the barriers to arts and culture.

The partnership supports the School’s online platform - BRIT Now - that showcases the developing talent of our 1400+ student community. Together, we are also establishing the RBC Emerging Artist Prize awarded to selected Final Year students as they leave the School and progress into higher education or directly into the creative industries. Alongside support for a number of our performing and creative art events, these two core elements will help to keep BRIT special and support young people from all backgrounds as they prepare for the next stage of their creative journey. We are thrilled to have found a partner who recognises the importance of the arts and their impact on society.