CU Scarborough appoints theatre professional as head of creative industries

Diana Logan joins CU Scarborough from the Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT), where she was associate director for education.

The new course leader for Creative Industries will lead the teaching team on the BA (Hons) Acting degree.

The course is an innovative collaboration between CU Scarborough and the SJT where students will work with SJT professionals at points throughout the programme, including mentoring, observation of professional rehearsals, and participation onstage in a professionally-directed piece for theatre.

“Being a theatre practitioner and performer, I have been lucky to learn a lot from the professionals around me, which is something we really believe in with this course.

"I believe that theatre can be part of the lifeblood of our communities and creativity is important for us all.

"This is something that CU Scarborough also believes, so hopefully this will stand me in good stead in the future,” Diana said.

With the Covid-19 pandemic having forced learning to migrate online, student actors have been adaptive and explored innovative ways to use video conferencing platforms.

Students are working with industry experts experienced with working online and have been introduced to a variety of tricks of the trade which they can use for self-taping in the future.

Diana said: “The lockdown has brought different opportunities and ways of working.

"Theatre and the Creative Industries are going to be key for recovery from the pandemic, so many exciting things will be seen in the next few years and actor training is always going to be relevant and current in driving change in an ever-changing environment.

"I am very excited to see what our actors do next and we will continue to strive to give them the best and most relevant training for our industry.”

Clare Garrick, head of curriculum, Business, Law and Creative Industries at CU Scarborough, said: “I am delighted that Diana has joined us and brought a wealth of experience and passion for the subject that will enable the course to flourish and benefit our students greatly.

"We are inviting applications for our September intake and look forward to welcoming new aspiring actors and theatre professionals to the course.”

Paul Robinson, Artistic Director at the SJT, said: “We are delighted that Diana has been appointed Course Leader for Acting at CUSC.

"Her huge experience in educational settings and in professional theatre are the perfect combination to ensure the success of the course. We’re thrilled to be a part of that professional vocational training.”

For more information about the BA (Hons) Acting and how to apply for the September intake, visit the CU Scarborough website.