STUDENT SET TO UNMASK TALENTS IN THE WEST END

A young woman from South & City College Birmingham is hoping to apply her studies to the stage when she graduates this summer, however her class act takes place behind the scenes.

Eleanor Baggott, who is 23 from Staffordshire, has made the hour-long commute to the college’s Digbeth campus twice a week since September to study VTCT Theatrical and Media MakeUp Extended Diploma Level 3.

After leaving Chester University with a First Class BA Hons Degree in Drama and Theatre, Eleanor decided to enrol on the course at South & City College, with the ambition of one day working backstage in London’s West End.

Eleanor said: “I have always loved the theatre and have performed on stage throughout my life in productions such as Oliver and Grease.  What interests me the most, however, is bringing the characters to life through make-up and special effects and it is my dream to pursue this as a career.

“My course at South & City College has given me a fantastic insight into what working in this area involves, as well as offering me some very unique opportunities, such as attending a workshop with prosthetic expert Neill Gorton, who has created the effects for Dr Who characters.

My most memorable moment of the course so far has to be my work experience on the set of the film ‘Seven Days’, where I got to do the make-up for actor Oliver Phelps, amongst other cast members.”

The college has recently installed a new teaching salon and make-up studio at the Digbeth campus, complete with sinks, mirrors and chairs for clients as well as desks for students to study the theoretical elements of the course.

Once graduating from college, Eleanor has a work experience placement lined up with stage make-up company Kryolan in London, which she hopes will stand her in good stead to pursue her ambition of working backstage at a theatre the West End.

For more information please call South & City College Birmingham on 0800 611 6311.