Shakespeare North Playhouse and the University of Lancashire have entered a new partnership for their BA (Hons) Acting programme. From this autumn students will take part in an expanded programme of training and real-world experience delivered in collaboration with Shakespeare North Playhouse.
The initiative gives students access to industry-led learning at every stage of their degree. As part of the programme, students will take part in practical workshops with Shakespeare North associate artists, receive group mentoring from members of the theatre’s creative and producing teams, and develop performance skills inside a working professional venue, with a graduate-year show on the Cockpit Theatre stage in June 2026.
The partnership was launched in the Cockpit Theatre, where all 80 students attended a Q&A with Shakespeare North Playhouse CEO and Creative Director Lisa Allen, followed by a special performance of the theatre’s autumn co-production The Tempest.
This partnership strengthens that commitment by ensuring students have meaningful, hands-on access to the industry right here in their own community– Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse
Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse, said: “At Shakespeare North Playhouse, accessibility is central to everything we do; from pay-what-you-decide tickets to making our cultural spaces welcoming for first-time theatregoers. This partnership strengthens that commitment by ensuring students have meaningful, hands-on access to the industry right here in their own community.
“It’s important to us that this is a two-way partnership. We’re not only offering opportunities; we’re actively listening to what students want from a professional theatre. Whether it’s observing rehearsals, working with associate artists and other industry professionals, or developing their skills on the Cockpit stage, they’ll be part of a living, working artistic hub.
"Shakespeare remains a vital foundation for any actor in training, and we’re excited to support the next generation as custodians of this democratised cultural space.”
It is giving our students unparalleled access to the Cockpit Theatre and to the joys of Shakespeare, along with challenging and building the students’ performance skills and growing a network of associate artists– Jim Ingham, Associate Dean for the University’s School of Arts and Media
Jim Ingham, Associate Dean for the University’s School of Arts and Media, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with Shakespeare North Playhouse and offering our BA (Hons) Acting students a new and amazing opportunity.
“This flagship initiative is underscoring our course’s commitment to professional training and industry engagement. It is giving our students unparalleled access to the Cockpit Theatre and to the joys of Shakespeare, along with challenging and building the students’ performance skills and growing a network of associate artists.
“The partnership has already delivered a classical graduate showcase to industry and next year we’re looking forward to expanded workshops with leading practitioners such as The HandleBards and Ben Crystal, enhancing employability and visibility for graduates across the North West and beyond.”
This collaboration aims to support emerging talent by providing structured, meaningful access to professional practice, ultimately helping students transition more confidently into the industry.
*The BA (Hons) Acting students and staff sat in the Cockpit Theatre - credit Connie Evans