After the University was forced to close its buildings to students and staff during the first wave of the pandemic, Bedfordshire reopened its doors this autumn for the 2020/21 academic year offering students limited on-campus interaction within a Covid-secure environment, complemented by remote learning and teaching.

A vital part of the School of Media & Performance’s courses is that students are given access to industry professionals throughout their studies. Alumni and friends of the University who work in the TV, radio and theatre industries are regularly invited to share their experiences, offer techniques and give development and career advice to the current student cohort.

Rachel Clark, Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Media Performance for Film, TV & Theatre course, said: “Our course works extensively with industry professionals to prepare and inform students of the high expectations upon them when working in front of a camera.  Inviting directors of continual drama, such as Rick Platt, provide the students with an informed working process of the relationship between director and actor.

“Rick has been working throughout the pandemic and brought us inside information of how they are dealing with filming at a two-metre distance and guided students, who are studying directing, in how to approach their script and cast with these restraints while still developing a creative process.”

Currently directing the award-winning TV soap, Emmerdale, and working with drama schools around the country, Rick Platt – who previously taught with the School of Media & Performance – joined a socially distant group of third year students on 27^th October for an interactive screen-based acting workshop.

Rick said: “I like working with students in theatre and on-screen performance because as a director working in television – specifically continual drama – you don’t get the chance to work in such detail with actors because schedules are so tight. Working in this environment allows me to get under the skin of the character with the students. It makes me part of their performance and I really enjoy watching them first perform and then how their chosen script becomes a well-rounded performance piece – you can clearly see the thought process and see them grow in confidence.

“A lot of young actors I work with on Soaps aren’t trained, so offer an instinctive way of playing a role, whereas students at the University of Bedfordshire are taught and offer a more technical way of playing a character which they are able to replicate and develop time and time again.

“I hope this hands-on aspect of their studies gives the students a good foundation on which to go forward with in their chosen career.”

As part of the workshop, students were asked to prepare a script for a monologue masterclass which they performed ‘on camera’ to Rick and their peers in the Judith Blake Theatre, based at the University’s Luton Campus. On-screen techniques and pointers Rick offered included vocal clarity, characterisation, eye contact and direction.

In the afternoon, students were invited to show off their performance skills in the University’s TV studio which recently underwent a £80k refurbishment during lockdown. As well as providing performance-based feedback, Rick was able to give the student camera operators and sound technicians tips on directing and producing while they filmed the performances.

Student, Loretta Askew, said:

Having the opportunity to work with someone from the industry always offers a great insight for us as students. Rick is such a pleasure to be able to work with as he seems to be able have the balance of holding the class’ attention and being informative, while also making us all feel comfortable to participate and put our own voice and ideas forward. He gives great tips and techniques to help you personally grow within such a short amount of time.

Student, Sam Ofula, said:

Rick's masterclass was very useful. The visual character development is proof that his directing works and pushes our acting beyond our first interpretation of the character. He communicates very well with us as students, and is positive while being critical. He takes time with each actor to get the best out of their performance and pushes us all to reach higher emotional goals.

Even though he has authority, everyone is comfortable around him and we are able to have a laugh, creating a safe place for you to explore and experiment.

Further information about performance-based courses and research opportunities available with the University of Bedfordshire can be explored online: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/departments/media-and-performance