Performing Arts Community Engagement (PACE)

PACE concentrates on civic engagement through performance projects. It develops projects in collaboration with communities and research groups, focused on marginalised or socially disadvantaged groups and individuals. PACE's role is to provide platforms for the visibility, self-expression and empowerment of such groups through participation and engagement in self-determined performance activity, knowledge exchange and research.

This year PACE is developing a series of reconfigured projects which aim to reach local community groups at risk of social isolation and loneliness during the current pandemic. These projects, which will include a series of 'Sharing Sessions', will involve discursive events focused on performance and social issues, as well as live and virtual performance and outreach work. These projects aim to empower communities and ignite meaningful relationships amongst community groups and between these groups and the University. More details coming soon.

The PACE Team

Committee Chair: Dr Celena Monteiro c.l.monteiro@kingston.ac.uk
PACE Events Coordinator: Val Marshall v.marshall@kingston.ac.uk

Committee representatives from performing arts subjects:

Drama: Dr Caoimhe Mader McGuinness
Dance: Dr Daniela Perazzo Domm
Music: Prof Isabella van Elferen

PACE's work draws from the expertise within the Performing Arts Team and is now looking further into cross-disciplinary collaborations within KSA. We warmly welcome new project ideas from staff, students, alumni, community leaders and performance practitioners. If you have an idea for a project that you would like to develop with PACE or for more details and updates about projects please email us at pace@kingston.ac.uk or c.l.monteiro@kingston.ac.uk

Projects that are already up and running

The Kingston Singers

A local community choir led by choir leader Gabriella Noble.

No need to have a fantastic voice or be able to read music and there are no auditions. The choir has moved online in response to the current pandemic but is still enjoying connecting with each other and pitching to a range of popular songs. The choir will record an end-of-season song while unable to perform live.

When do you meet? Mondays 6–7pm from 12 October to 7 December. Online.
How do I register? Email: pace@kingston.ac.uk to register and get your online link.
How much is it? £25 or £15 concessions. Includes a free taster and 10 online sessions.

Acid Grass Records

A student led ensemble of music producers who record, mix and perform contemporary music with a particular focus on creative uses of music technology. There is an opportunity to take part in all areas of running a label, including artist management, marketing and distribution. The group currently meets online.

When do you meet? Wednesday 4-6pm online
How do I register? Email: m.gatt@kingston.ac.uk for further information and to get your online link.
How much is it? Free

Kingston University Stylophone Orchestra (KUSO)

The only Stylophone Orchestra of its kind in the world, performing a range of electronica, pop and sci-fi soundtracks. The ensemble uses the full range of Stylophone instruments, with additional Korg Volcas, Suzuki Omnichord, Moog theremin and analogue synths sponsored by Dubreq.

When do you meet? While COVID-19 measures are in place, we are meeting and collaborating virtually online on an album project which will release in Spring 2021.
How do I register? Email l.kardos@kingston.ac.uk for further information on how to take part.
How much is it? Free

Kingston Chamber Orchestra

The Kingston Chamber Orchestra (KCO) is the University's associate amateur orchestra which historically meets in the Visconti Studio at Kingston Hill. Please note membership is by audition. Conducted by Andy Meyers, the Orchestra performs locally in Kingston but under current restrictions the KCO is performing virtually.