All the world’s a stage!
If you think Regents Theological College only offers traditional theology degrees then think again, writes Michelle Nunn.
On a very cold and wet Friday in January, Jenny Kimble, our Dean of Undergraduates at Regents, came into the office and let me know two performances were about to start in the Regents theatre. Two of our students, Katie Sowden and James Hand, had created their performances as part of their assessment for the Performing Arts degrees.
There was a good crowd of students ready to watch and support and then ask questions about their creative process. Each performance was unique in its approach, content and message; yet both were powerful and engaging, demonstrating our students’ creativity, and their ability to perform, speak, sing and dance in their solo performances.
Afterwards, they handled the questions on their performances with confidence and revealed the thinking behind their creativity. Our BA (Hons) in Applied Theology and Performing Arts is a unique programme, the only course of its kind in Europe. It enables gifted students to study theology whilst developing their creative skills in an affirming atmosphere.
It is led by Christian drama practitioner Richard Hasnip (Performing Arts Track Leader) and supported by writer and actor Ollie Ward (Director of Spiritual Formation and Performing Arts Track Tutor). Students study theology, develop practical professional skills, and learn about the interaction between performance and theology.
After three years of full-time study, our students go on to many different vocations. Former students have toured with the Searchlight Theatre Company, performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and participated in Saltmine Theatre Company performances.
Many have gone into church ministry, like Rachael Woolley, Senior Pastor at Nantwich Elim Church, Matt Ford who is an Anglican vicar, and Becky Armstrong who is a youth minister. Others have gone on to work in NHS midwifery, to teach, and to work within the charity sector.
Natalie Holman, one of the founders of the 4Front Theatre Company, recalls meeting her fellow founders on our course and shares that 4Front “is now over a decade old, and continues to reach thousands of people each year.” That all began at Regents!
Another former student, Bethan Newman, has worked for British Youth for Christ since leaving Regents in 2014 and is now serving as Deputy Senior Lead of Innovations, having served on the touring dance team Stance, leading dance and drama workshops across the UK in schools, churches and festivals.
Bethan recognises that her experiences at Regents have given her confidence to speak at large events like Spring Harvest and the ability to write creative talks. Not cut out for a general theology degree, Bethan says, “I wouldn’t have gone to Regents at all, but ended up engaging further in my faith – so the performing arts pull definitely helped with that.”
Emma Kenyon has also continued in the arts as a singing and dance teacher for a primary school-based Christian charity called iSingPOP. “I absolutely loved the Performing Arts and Applied Theology course at Regents,” she says. “It set me up perfectly for a role I didn’t even know existed! Exploring the what’s and why’s of theatre and then going on to put it into practice in various solo and group performances, really gave me the confidence I was seeking, which I’ve carried right into my career. The creative freedom this course unlocks is really exciting. I wholeheartedly recommend it!”
If someone you know is interested in the performing arts, the Regents team is available to talk to those interested in this as well as all our other programmes. Regents is a Spirit-filled, worshipping and learning community where students achieve their degrees and grow in their relationship with God. It’s a great place and wonderful community to be part of as you study.
This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.