Performing Arts Community Engagement
The PACE programme at Kingston offers an inclusive platform on which students, staff, alumni and members of the local community come together through the performing arts. It encompasses all possible combinations of music, dance and drama.
Performing arts ensembles
Students from any subject area and staff are welcome to join our many performing groups. Most groups are also open to alumni and general members of the public.
Ensembles except the Kingston Singers meet at Kingston Hill campus, KT2 7LB (see map) or Penrhyn Road campus KT1 2EE (see map). The sites are easily accessible via the free inter-campus bus. The Kingston Singers meet at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, KT1 1HL. Ensembles start week commencing 1 October 2018.
Contact Val Marshall for more information or to join any of the ensembles below, just turn up in the first week. Membership is FREE except for the Kingston Singers, for which there is a small charge after the first session.
Check out the PACE at Kingston University YouTube channel for recent performances.
The Kingston Singers
Your local community choir, start your week on a high note and raise the roof at the Rose by joining the Kingston Singers. We'll be pitching in to pop, jazz and show songs, led by talented and exciting choir trainer, Gabriella Noble.
There's no need to have a fantastic voice or be able to read music, and no auditions.
Just bring along your enthusiasm.
When: Mondays, 6.00pm – 7.15pm
Where: David Jacobs room, Rose Theatre, Kingston KT1 1HL
Cost per session: £5/£2 NUS and concessions. Full amount is payable at the Rose Theatre box office (Tel. 020 8174 0090).
Physical theatre and performance styles
Physical training for an actor is a vital skill set which helps to create awareness in the body and the intended specificity in a character. Performing exercises inspired by Meyerhold's biomechanics, clowning and commedia dell'arte, this group will explore the creative possibilities offered by physical theatre. We will also explore additional theatrical styles looking at puppetry, object manipulation, bio-object articulation and the scenography of projection.
Peter Case is a director, actor, puppeteer and teacher who has spent the past twenty years creating experimental theatre. He has directed numerous productions in London and abroad, is a company member of La MaMa E.T.C. in New York, and has worked for a variety of institutions including six years as artistic associate for puppetry at Wilton's Music Hall.
When: Thursdays, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Where: Penrhyn Road campus, Reg Bailey building
Cost: free
Dance
What is Written is a critically acclaimed professional dance company run by graduates of the renowned Kingston dance course. Founded in 2014, they have developed a reputation for being creatively fearless in their combination of narrative, physical and intense dance theatre and most recently, were awarded the Best of the Fest award for their piece 'The Art of Conflict' at the International Youth Arts Festival 2018. They have represented the UK in Italy, Poland and Spain and most recently in Lithuania.
This is your opportunity to be part of WIW2; the experimental and educational feeder to the main company. The first part of the session will be a technique class including choreographic routines. The second part will work towards a performance piece (open to all levels).
When: Saturdays 10.00am - 12.00pm
Where: Penrhyn Road campus, Surrey Club
Cost: free
Image credit: Simon Adrians, Tangle Photography
Musical theatre
Enjoy dance, drama and singing? Then this is the perfect ensemble for you! You'll get the ideal opportunity to explore and develop all three skills with an industry professional and performance opportunities during the year.
When: Wednesdays 7.00 – 9.00pm
Where: Penrhyn Road campus, Surrey Club
Cost: free
Jazz ensemble
Run by jazz lecturer and accomplished pianist Meredith White, who often performs in the local area and is renowned for her creative musical arrangements. Both singers and instrumentalists welcome, - bring your own instrument (if portable!).
When: Wednesdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Where: Kingston Hill campus, Visconti Studio
Cost: free
Djembe
Djembe is an ensemble of African drums and is the most popular African drum outside the African continent. If you enjoy exploring rhythm, this is the group for you! No experience necessary. Djembe Ensemble is directed by Djembe expert, Hans Sutton.
When: Thursdays 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Where: Kingston Hill campus, Coombehurst Court, room 0009
Cost: free
Kingston Chamber Orchestra
The University collaborates with the Kingston Chamber Orchestra (KCO) which meets in the Visconti Studio at Kingston Hill and is conducted by Andy Meyers. Please note that membership is by audition only. For further information contact KCO.
When: Wednesdays 7.00pm – 10.00pm
Where: Kingston Hill campus, Visconti Studio
A.G. Records
You'll record, mix and perform contemporary music with this student-led ensemble of music producers. There'll be a particular focus on creative uses of music technology and you'll have the opportunity to take part in all areas of running a label, including artist management, marketing and distribution.
When: Wednesdays 4.00pm – 7.00pm
Where: Kingston Hill campus, Visconti Studio
Cost: free
Ensembles timetable
This year's ensembles will begin week commencing 1 October 2018.
| Ensemble | Day | Time | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Kingston Singers | Mondays | 6.00pm–7.15pm | David Jacobs room, Rose Theatre, Kingston |
| Musical Theatre | Wednesdays |
7.00pm–9.00pm |
Surrey Club, Penrhyn Road |
| Jazz ensemble |
Wednesdays | 2.00pm–4.00pm | Visconti Studio, Kingston Hill |
| AG Records | Wednesdays | 4.00pm–7.00pm | Visconti Studio, Kingston Hill |
| Kingston Chamber Orchestra | Wednesdays | 7.00pm–10.00pm | Visconti Studio, Kingston Hill |
| Djembe | Thursdays | 5.00pm–7:00pm | Room 0009, Coombehurst Court, Kingston Hill |
| Physical theatre and performance styles | Thursdays | 6.00pm–8.00pm | Reg Bailey building, Penrhyn Road |
| Dance | Saturdays | 10.00am– 12.00pm | Surrey Club, Penrhyn Road |
