On Sunday 9th June, ArtsEd proudly participated in the Green Days event, a highlight of the Bedford Park Festival, known for its vibrant community spirit and array of activities. Green Days was a weekend-long event filled with family-friendly fun, local crafts, food stalls, and live entertainment, all set in the picturesque Acton Green Common. The festival is a cherished tradition that brought together residents and visitors to celebrate the unique charm of Chiswick.

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ArtsEd Performances

On June 8th, from 12:15 to 12:45, students from ArtsEd’s Day School and Sixth Form took the stage to showcase their talents. The performance included a variety of acts such as solos, group numbers, instrumental pieces, and even an original song by one of our talented students. The repertoire spanned multiple genres, ensuring a delightful experience for all attendees.

Performances:

• How Far I’ll Go from Moana
• Piano Man by Billy Joel
• Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers
• An original song by Todd Dachtler
• Out There from Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Punk Rocker by Sandi Thom

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to perform and engage with the community, which is central to our values. We were thrilled to be a part of Green Days and always look forward to sharing our students’ hard work and creativity with a festival audience.”
Peter Middleton, Headteacher

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Marquee and Stand Activities

ArtsEd also had a marquee and stand on Sunday, where festival-goers could learn more about our school, courses and upcoming shows and events. Additionally, we hosted a “Guess the Show” competition, where participants guessed which shows two displayed costumes were from for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a pair of tickets to see our alumni in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express, a pair of tickets to see one of our upcoming 2024 autumn productions and a deluxe goodie bag with ArtsEd merchandise and prosecco. Entry to the competition cost £5, with all proceeds supporting our bursary programmes.

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About Green Days

Green Days, part of the larger Bedford Park Festival, is a community event that features an eclectic mix of activities and attractions. Attendees enjoyed live music, funfair rides, craft stalls, a book stall, a plant stall, and various games. Food and drink options abounded, with plenty of choices to satisfy every palate. The festival also included a Dog Show, a Fancy Dress Parade for children, and the popular 5-a-side football tournament.

The event not only provided entertainment but also supported local charities and community projects, aligning perfectly with ArtsEd’s mission to foster community engagement and support.

For more information on Bedford Park Festival and the full schedule of events, visit Bedford Park Festival.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Green Days to support our students, enjoy the festivities, and engage with the vibrant Chiswick community!

At ArtsEd, we pride ourselves on nurturing the next generation of performing artists, and it is with great pleasure that we celebrate the remarkable achievements of three of our students who have recently been nominated for or have won prestigious awards. These recognitions not only highlight their individual talents and hard work but also underscore the high standard of education and training provided at ArtsEd. Our students’ successes are a testament to their dedication and the support they receive from our dedicated faculty.

Annelise Heywood – Lillian Baylis Award 2024

Annelise Heywood, a second-year student from the School of Acting class of 2025, has won the Lillian Baylis Award, which honours promising acting students. This award, named after the renowned theatre manager and director, is given to students who show exceptional promise in acting. Annelise received this accolade last week from David Harewood MBE, awarding her a grant towards her course fees.

“Annelise Heywood is a very imaginative and creative student whose work ethic is exemplary. We are very proud to have nominated her for the prestigious Lilian Baylis award which she received last week from David Harewood MBE”
Kim Vithana, Director of the School of Acting

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Annelise Heywood at The Lillian Baylis Awards

Harrison Langham – Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Awarad 2024

Harrison Langham, a graduating student from the School of Musical Theatre class of 2024, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the esteemed Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award 2024. This award celebrates the UK’s top musical theatre students and is hosted by ArtsEd alumna Bonnie Langford. The award aims to support emerging talent in musical theatre, providing a platform for students to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the industry.

“We are all thrilled that Harrison has been shortlisted for the prestigious Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award 2024. From all of us at ArtsEd, we wish him all the very best for the final”
Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre

The SSSSPOTY final takes place this Sunday 9th June, 3pm at The Sondheim Theatre.

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Harrison Langham as Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone

Senam Akpokavi – Spotlight Prize 2024

Senam Akpokavi, a graduating student from the School of Acting class of 2024, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Spotlight Prize. The Spotlight Prize, established in the 1950s, offers drama school graduates the chance to establish their careers in front of industry professionals. This year, over 70 drama schools and universities were invited to nominate a student, with 22 finalists selected by a panel of industry experts based on the quality of their auditions.

“Senam Akpokavi is one of ArtsEd’s most talented and creative actors. He has excelled in his training, and it gives us great pleasure seeing him represent the school for the Spotlight Prize this year”
Kim Vithana, Director of the School of Acting

The finalists’ performances will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges, who will then announce the winners of the Best Actor (Screen) Award and the Best Actor (Stage) Award on July 17, 2024 at The Spotlight Prize Awards.

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Senam Akpokavi as Mr Voysey in The Voysey Inheritance

At ArtsEd, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where talent can flourish, and the accomplishments of Annelise, Harrison, and Senam, are shining examples of what our students can achieve. These accolades not only bring honour to the recipients but also to our school, highlighting the quality and dedication of our faculty and the exceptional opportunities available to our students. We look forward to seeing our students continue to grow and succeed in their artistic careers, and we remain committed to supporting them every step of the way.

Congratulations to all, and may this be just the beginning of many more successes to come.