The IGNITE Performing Arts Degree Students from SMB College Group have started the New Year with a bang, delivering show-stopping performances of ‘The Trial’ by Franz Kafka and original show ‘Aurora’, inspired by New York Times Bestselling novel ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’.
‘The Trial’ by Franz Kafka follows Joseph K, an estranged and rootless citizen who finds himself victim to anonymous governing forces beyond his control. Aurora follows the exploits of newly signed band ‘The Six’, led by front man Billy Dunne, who are encouraged to work with Daisy Jones, a young and chaotic artist with a flair for song writing who sets the group spiralling.
For these performances, the college’s First Year and Third Year degree students collaborated to create stunning performances, creating their own exploration of these texts in an ensemble – a physical-style that captures the unique nature of each individual performance.
Millie Walpole, BA Performing Arts student who starred in the performance of Trial by Franz Kafka, said “I have loved being challenged by this piece it really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It was so amazing being part of such a strong ensemble of people.”
Performing Arts Lecturer, Cat Webb, added “We are really proud of the students who went through an intense assessment block to complete Semester 1. Many of the students were involved in both productions so had to learn a whole narrative dance performance followed by performing in a complex play the following week.
“They all worked really hard and showcased the skills in both dance and text/acting that they have been developing throughout the first semester. We now start Semester 2, where our Third Year students get to work with professional company, Temper Theatre, utilising their unique creative devising techniques to create a new piece. Our other year groups will be starting work on a new production of Romeo and Juliet, combining the classic story of ‘star crossed lovers’ with a new setting and some physical theatre.”
Recently, Performing Arts at SMB College Group underwent a rebrand, with the exciting new IGNITE Performing Arts Academy showcasing the beginning of a new creative space to continue the rich legacy of Performing Arts at Melton, which is already the proud alma mater of notable alumni such as Adrian Scarborough, Owen Warner, Shaka McFarlane and many more.
There’s still time to apply to study a Level 3 or Undergraduate Degree programme in Performing Arts at SMB College Group’s Melton Campus! Visit for their upcoming IGNITE Performing Arts Open Evening in Spring 2024 to find out more. Register for an open day or apply for a course today at https://www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk/.