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On the final episode of the third series of Discover Central host Victoria Edwards, Central's Access and Participation Manager, interviews alumni Tim Chaundy and Maame Atuah to talk about all things Central Outreach. Tim Chaundy is the Curriculum Leader in Performing Arts and Music at City and Islington College, which is part of Capital City College Group, the biggest group of further education colleges in London. City and Islington College offers an extensive range of academic and vocational courses for all ages, including a range of courses in performing arts, music, art, design and fashion. City and Islington College - and Tim - were one of the Central's first Outreach partners. Over the last five years, they have worked together to provide City and Islington College students with a range of workshops, free auditions and tickets to Central's productions. Tim is also an alumnus of Central, having graduated from the BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education Course. Maame Atuah is an alumna of Central's BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education course and now works at Central in the Student Recruitment and Outreach team as Student Recruitment and Access Administrator. As part of her role, Maame works closely with Victoria Edwards to deliver the School's Outreach programme. She also recently helped to run the Outreach project Small Axe: Big Talks, which encouraged participants to critically explore themes from Steve McQueen's Small Axe films 'Lovers Rock' and 'Education' through their participation in movement, creative writing and devising workshops. Outside of Central, Maame is the Co-Founder of Diversity School Initiative, a nonprofit organisation that was set up to tackle under representation and diversity in UK drama schools. You can find out more about City and Islington College by visiting their website. You can find out more about Central's Outreach Programme by visiting the Central website, where you can also read about recent activities including Small Axe: Big Talks. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode.** Discover Central is hosted by Victoria Edwards and produced and edited by Megan Hunter and Scott Bellamy.  Main podcast image by Patrick Baldwin.  Theme music “Emotive Technology” is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Host Victoria Edwards Tim Chaundy   Maame Atuah

For the fifth episode of our third series of the Discover Central podcast, we’re joined by Mairi Hayes and Jake Harders, both graduates of Central, who now work across the School's diploma and short courses to find out more about their work. Mairi Hayes graduated from Central's BA Acting course in 2008, and is now the School's Community Drama and Diploma Manager with responsibility for overseeing the entirety of Central's short course provision. Beyond Central, Mairi has worked extensively as an actor and theatre maker with companies including the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Roundhouse, the Lowry Theatre in Manchester, the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre, the UK Film Council, BBC and ITV. She has also worked in a broad range of arts community and educational contexts, including work in schools and colleges, youth clubs and theatres, and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Jake Harders graduated from the BA Acting course in 2003, and alongside his co-course leadership with Mairi of the online acting diploma, he is also a Visiting Lecturer across several of Central's short courses. Jake has travelled the world working as an award winning professional actor in theatre, television, film, and radio. He has also studied with and has been profoundly influenced by many of Jerzy Grotowski's original actors at the Grotowski Centre in Poland. Alongside his extensive teaching schedule, he is currently undertaking research for a PhD on the contribution of Grotowski to UK actor training.  We’re also delighted to welcome Sonny Kong and Luke Fox, graduates of Central's diploma courses who tell us more about their experiences of studying at Central. You can find out more about Central’s range of short courses and diploma offerings by visiting our website. You can also find out more about Access All Areas theatre company, with whom Central partners to run the Performance Making Diploma course, by visiting their website. **You can access a Dyslexia friendly version of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Scott Bellamy and produced and edited by Megan Hunter and Scott Bellamy.  Main podcast image by Patrick Baldwin.  Theme music “Emotive Technology” is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Discover Central Host Scott Bellamy Mairi Hayes Jake Harders

In March, we sat down with Dr Katharine Low for our fourth episode of Series 3 and a discussion about her research, her newly published book and the work that she and her students have been undertaking over several years and in collaboration with partner organisations in South Africa. Dr Kat Low is a Senior Lecturer in Community Performance and Applied Theatre at Central with teaching and supervisory responsibilities across the schools undergraduate and postgraduate Applied Theatre courses, as well as research degrees. A research-practitioner in the field of applied theatre and sexual health, she has worked transnationally in South Africa, Tanzania, Europe and the UK. She has a deep commitment to feminist-led research, arts in health and theatre-making in urban settings, and the role of women in theatre. We were also joined by Alexandra Netea, a final year Contemporary Performance Practice student, who discussed her worth with Kat and artist Erica Lüttich on a project in South Africa. More information on Kat's work can be found on the Central website or by visiting her website where you can view examples of her work and find a list of her publications, including her new book "Applied Theatre and Sexual Health Communication: Apertures of Possibility". You can also read an interview with Kat on Central's site.  Information about the Global Challenges Research Fund can be found on the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website.   Learn more about Kat's work with Gerard Bester and the Outreach Foundation. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Scott Bellamy and produced and edited by Megan Hunter and Scott Bellamy.  Main podcast image by Patrick Baldwin.  Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.     Host Scott Bellamy Dr Katharine Low

On our third episode of Series 3, we're joined by Dr Sylvan Baker to discuss his recent appearance on the BBC'S Small Axe: the Podcast, which focused on his experience of growing up in the British care system. We discuss how these experiences have shaped Sylvan's work and research, both inside and outside of Central, including his support for care leaver students.   We also chat about Sylvan's work with the Verbatim Formula, which he co-founded with Dr Maggie Inchley, a Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. The Verbatim Formula is a collaborative participatory arts project that has developed verbatim theatre techniques to share the voices of care experienced young people, care leavers and adults responsible for their care and education. Dr Sylvan Baker is an artist and an academic, a practitioner and researcher working across the fields of applied theatre, socially engaged arts and social justice for the past 30 years.  At Central, he is a Lecturer in Community Performance and Applied Theatre, teaching on both the undergraduate and postgraduate Applied Theatre courses.  Beyond Central, his practice has taken place across the UK and globally in sites in Brazil, the USA, in a diverse range of contexts and communities, and has a specific interest in international interventions in sites of conflict and transitional justice. We're also joined by Isabelle Kirkham and Sophie Scarlett, final year BA Contemporary Performance Practice students who tell us more about their project with Action for Children, 'My Time in Care'. And Central's Access and Participation Manager Victoria Edwards provides more information about Central's Care Leaver Support Scheme, which she oversees. More information on Sylvan's work can be found on the Central website or by visiting the website for The Verbatim Formula.  You can also listen to Sylvan's interview with Ashley John-Baptiste on the BBC's Small Axe: The Podcast or read the accompanying feature on the BBC Website, 'Home and Safety: what the Covid-19 pandemic reminds us about a life in care'. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Megan Hunter and produced and edited by Megan Hunter and Scott Bellamy.  Main podcast image by Patrick Baldwin.  Megan Hunter's photo is used courtesy of Lydia Keen.  Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.       Dr Sylvan Baker Host Megan Hunter

On our second episode of Series 3, we're joined by Ben Naylor, the course leader for MA Acting Classical, to discuss his research, his work as a director and the recent productions staged at Central for his students, including Hamlet, which will be available to stream on Central's YouTube channel in May 2021. Ben Naylor is a Senior Lecturer at Central and the Course Leader for MA Acting Classical. After studying ancient history and theology at Durham and Oxford Universities, Ben trained as a director with Sir Peter Hall at the National Theatre, with John Caird at the Caird Company, and with David Lan and others at the Young Vic. Ben has directed numerous productions, readings and workshops, and regularly works internationally in Israel, the United States, Spain, Germany, Greece and New Zealand. Beyond Central, he has taught at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the Young Vic, LAMDA, the Shakespeare Centre, Cambridge University and more. As a practitioner and a researcher, Ben specialises in Shakespeare and the theatre of the English Renaissance, and in acting traditions derived from Stanislavski, European expressionism and the American Method. We're also joined by Aaron Lynn and Ella Faye Donley, recent MA Acting Classical Class of 2020 graduates and members of the cast of Hamlet, who tell us more about their work on the production and the course. More information on Ben Naylor's work can be found on the Central website or on his own website. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Megan Hunter and produced and edited by Megan Hunter and Scott Bellamy.  Main podcast image by Patrick Baldwin.  Megan Hunter's photo is used courtesy of Lydia Keen.  Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.   Ben Naylor Host Megan Hunter Aaron Lynn Ella Faye Donley

For the first episode of Series 3, and to commemorate International Women's Day 2021, host Megan Hunter sits down with Dr Naomi Paxton. Naomi is Central’s Knowledge Exchange Fellow, a Parliamentary Academic Fellow, and an Associate Fellow of the School of Advanced Study, University of London.   Her research focuses on feminist activism, the suffrage movement, and the cultural histories of political and feminist theatre.  Naomi was an Arts and Humanities Research Council and BBC Radio 3 New Generation thinker, and she continues to speak regularly on BBC radio and television, as well as in other media and at festivals and events.   In 2018, she was nominated for a Parliamentary Diversity and Inclusion Award for her work with the Vote 100 team, a collaborative project with the University of Lincoln and the University of Plymouth to commemorate the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act.  Naomi is also an award-winning performer who has appeared on the West End, in national and international touring productions, cabaret, magic, physical theatre, radio drama and comedy.   Central’s Students' Union Women's Officers Celeste da Palma and Lauryn Jackman also feature to discuss their work with the SU and activities they've planned for International Women's Day.  More information on Dr. Naomi Paxton's work can be found on the Central website or on her own website where you can also find details about her book and links to her upcoming events, performances and public engagement workshops. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Megan Hunter and produced and edited by Megan Hunter and Scott Bellamy.  Main podcast image by Patrick Baldwin.  Megan Hunter's photo is used courtesy of Lydia Keen.  Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.     Megan Hunter Dr Naomi Paxton

On this special episode of the Discover Central Podcast, host Scott Bellamy is joined by Central's Lead Admissions Tutor, Charlène Segeral and audition panellist Nathan Armarkwei Laryea, who offer their advice, guidance and insight into the undergraduate audition process at Central. If you're thinking of joining us for entry in 2021 on one of our undergraduate Acting courses, this episode is packed with practical information that you'll find useful when making your application. Charlène Segeral is an actor, devisor, and Central's Lead Admissions Tutor. She graduated from the BA Acting Collaborative and Devised Theatre course in 2014, and alongside her professional work as a performer acts as a school's industry liaison. As its lead admissions tutor, Charlène is responsible for coordinating all of the school's undergraduate acting auditions, which is no mean feat. Nathan Armarkwei Laryea also graduated from Central in 2014 from the BA Acting course. As an actor, he has appeared extensively on stage where he has made multiple appearances on the West End and at the National Theatre, as well as in film and television. Since 2018, Nathan has also been a panellist for Central's undergraduate acting auditions. More information on Central's three BA Acting courses (Acting, Collaborative and Devised Theatre, and Musical Theatre) can be found on the Central website, including details of how to make your application and prepare for your audition, as well as how you can check your eligibility for a free audition.  You can also find out more about Central's open days. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Scott Bellamy and produced and edited by Megan Hunter.  Main podcast image by Patrick Baldwin. Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.   Discover Central's host, Scott Bellamy Central's lead admissions tutor, Charlène Segeral Actor and Central Audition Panellist Nathan Armarkwei Laryea

For the final episode of Series two, host Scott Bellamy sits down with Shaun Northover, Central's Alumni and Events Manager, to discuss the benefits, events and networking opportunities available to Central's graduates. Through his work in the Alumni Office, Shaun helps to run a variety of events throughout the year, from networking evenings and theatre outings to anniversaries and reunions for classes and year groups.  Throughout the past year, his work has also focused heavily on developing programmes of support for the recently graduated Class of 2020. Central’s Students' Union President and recent Class of 2020 graduate Parker Hollants also features and shares a message of support and congratulations for the Class of 2020. More information on Shaun Northover's work with the Alumni Office can be found on Central website, including details of the recently established Pay it Forward scheme, networking events, workshops, reunions and a dedicated programme of support for the Class of 2020. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Scott Bellamy and produced and edited by Megan Hunter.  Main podcast image by Patrick Baldwin. Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.   Discover Central's host, Scott Bellamy Central's Alumni and Events Manager, Shaun Northover

For episode three of the second series of the Discover Central Podcast, host Scott Bellamy sits down with Ayse Tashkiran, a Senior Lecturer and Central's Co-Course Leader for the MA/ MFA Movement: Directing and Teaching course, to discuss movement direction and the array of work which is being undertaken to embed inclusive practice into Movement training. They are joined by the co-founder of Inclusion Collective, movement director, choreographer, teacher and Central alumna Christina Fulcher. The Central Student's Union Disability and Dyslexia officer Daniella Faircloth also features.

For the second episode of series 2 of the Discover Central Podcast, host Scott Bellamy sits down with Daron Oram, Central's Principal Lecturer in Voice, whose work and research into anti-discriminatory training practices have led him to develop a range of approaches that challenge some traditional practices within actor training.  These approaches help to enhance the experiences of student actors who come from diverse backgrounds, as well as those who face additional challenges in engaging with voice and actor training. Central’s Students' Union Welfare Officer Kirsty McMunn also features.  Visit Central's website, where you can find out more about the School's BA (Hons) Acting Collaborative Devised Theatre and the MA/MFA Voice Studies: Teaching and Coaching courses.   You can also find out more about Daron Oram's work and research by exploring his publications, some of which were discussed in this episode:  Decentering Listening: Toward an Anti-Discriminatory Approach to Accent and Dialect Training for the Actor The heuristic pedagogue: navigating myths and truths in pursuit of an equitable approach to voice training De-Colonising Listening: Toward an Equitable Approach to Speech Training for the Actor Finding a Way: More Tales of Dyslexia and Dyspraxia in Psychophysical Actor Training Losing sight of land: tales of dyslexia and dyspraxia in psychophysical actor training Research and practice in Voice Studies: searching for a methodology Follow this link to access the video mentioned by Scott in the episode, Training Actors who have Visual Impairments at Central, which explores work being undertaken on the School's BA (Hons) Acting Collaborative and Devised Theatre course to ensure equitable access  to students with visual impairments.  An audio described video is also available. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Scott Bellamy and produced and edited by Megan Hunter.  Image by Patrick Baldwin.  Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.   Discover Central's host, Scott Bellamy Daron Oram at work with Central Students

For the first episode of series 2 of the Discover Central Podcast, host Scott Bellamy sits down with Dr Javeria Shah (Central’s Inclusion Specialist, Programme Leader for the Learning Centre, Lecturer on the MA Acting for Screen course and the Founding Chair of the School‘s Global Majority Staff Network) and her research collaborator from Leeds Beckett University Dr Shona Hunter to discuss their work and their programme of events, Black History Interruptions.   Central’s Student Union Black and Minority Ethnic Officer Monica Beckles-Strachan also features.  More information on Dr Shah's work with the Social Performance Network can be found on its website, where you can also find episodes of her podcast 'Off Script!'. You can find out more about Dr Hunter's White Spaces Project on the Leeds Beckett University Website, where you can also learn more about the Centre for Race Education and Decoloniality.  Or visit the dedicated White Spaces Network webpage for further information about Shona's work. Visit the Central website to find out more about Central, including the recent staff and student programme of events for Black History Month 2020 which was discussed in this episode. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode** Discover Central is hosted by Scott Bellamy and produced and edited by Megan Hunter.  Image by Patrick Baldwin.  Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.     Discover Central's host, Scott Bellamy   Dr Javeria Shah and Dr Shona Hunter at events for #BHInterruptions 2019    

On the sixth and final episode of season one of the Discover Central podcast, host Scott Bellamy talks to PhD candidates Alma Prelec and Gabriel Vivas-Martinez about their research and their roles as curators and co-Artistic Directors of the 2020 Theatre Times International Online Theatre Festival.  They also discuss the future of digital performance and festivals, and consider the potential impact of Coronavirus on theatre productions. We also hear from final year Acting student Phillip Olagoke with his top tip for looking after yourself in lockdown. The International Online Theatre Festival is an online theatre festival showcasing the work of diverse global artists and hosted digitally by The Theatre Times with support from Central and Digital Theatre+.  The theme of this year's festival was ‘in a world where you can be anything...’.  Running throughout May 2020, it aimed to create an online space that blurred geographical boundaries, rejected simplifications about borders and national identities and brought audiences together as a community to think about what it means to be human.  All productions were free to watch from anywhere in the world.   Find out more about the International Online Theatre Festival by visiting the Central website or by visiting the website of The Theatre Times. Learn more about Research at Central, including our Research Degree programmes. **You can access a Dyslexia-friendly transcript of this episode.** Discover Central is hosted by Scott Bellamy and produced and edited by Megan Hunter.  Image by Patrick Baldwin.  Theme music "Emotive Technology" is by High Street Music and has been used with permission thanks to Premium Beats.  With thanks to colleagues and students at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.   Discover Central host Scott Bellamy Alma Prelec Gabriel Vivas-Martinez