Atmos here!
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:18:00 GMT
University Campus Barnsley's Memorandum of Understanding with innovative theatre project company
A CLOSE link has been forged between University Campus Barnsley (UCB) and an innovative company that stages ultra-atmospheric performances in historic buildings, using the latest audio-visual technology.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Campus and Huddersfield-based Atmos Productions, which has been harnessing the skills of students and graduates who have taken courses in subjects such as music technology.
Five UCB students (pictured right) have become part of the Atmos team and they worked on the company’s latest project, a version of Paul Gallico’s much-loved ‘The Snow Goose’. Consisting of recorded music, narration and dialogue, plus a constructed stage set, including a lighthouse, the production took place in the darkened church, in the village of Almondbury near Huddersfield, with special computer-controlled lighting effects.
‘The Snow Goose’ includes a portion of narration from famed actor Sir Patrick Stewart, who is Chancellor of the University Campus Barnsley and the University of Huddersfield. Now the goal is to take the production to prestigious venues around the country, said Richard Wood, one of the men behind Atmos. He has been holding talks with the National Trust. Atmos is a not-for-profit company and its productions are mounted for charitable and fund-raising purposes.
When the Prince of Wales visited the University Campus Barnsley in January, Mr Wood and members of the Atmos team explained their work to the Royal visitor (see below).
Now, with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Atmos Productions can use UCB as a base and undergraduates will have the opportunity to take part in future projects, said Mr Wood.
The agreement was signed by Mr Wood for Atmos, and by Emma Hunt – who is Dean of UCB – and Pete Birkby, who is Head of the campus.
Said Mr Birkby: “For the students who have already progressed into the business it has been a fantastic learning experience and job opportunity.”
He welcomed the new opportunities for undergraduates to become involved and the skills and disciplines they would learn, such as the importance of working to deadlines. Also, future undergraduates would receive valuable mentoring.
Atmos Productions originated at Almondbury Church in 2010, when a son et lumière was presented which told the long story of the church and its village. The technical expertise of music technology students at the UCB – part of the University of Huddersfield – was harnessed.
The performance was such a success that the team behind it, including producer James Sykes and facilitator Richard Wood, decided to develop the concept. Paul Gallico’s ‘The Snow Goose’ was the result and had a successful run. ‘The Wind is in the Willows’ is one of the classic tales now being considered for the next project.
