The Dance Department took their end of year show to the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham. This was the first time the department has used this theatre, and it was an excellent experience for the students and staff. 

'Exhibition' was a dance show inspired by famous art works and artists. All students danced in Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet and Commercial pieces. They also collaborated on a group 'community art' piece.

The range of dance styles, music and costumes made for an excellent performance that brought the paintings to life - such as Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' and JMW Turners 'A Stormy Sea' and Edvard Munch 'The Scream' to name a few.

This performance demonstrated excellence from the dance department staff - from slick choreography and creative ideas, to the outstanding sheer talent within the cohort of students, especially their ability to adapt from style to style throughout the performance and to execute the movement with such energy and precision. The students really are an absolute credit to the department and school.

This performance was also an excellent opportunity for the dance course to collaborate with BOA Stage and Screen's Broadcast students who were invited to film the performance on a 4-camera set up and create and live edit of the show. We will share this performance with dance students in September. 

We are so excited for next year where we can share our Year 13 Show with you. 

Our Year 10 Dance pathway show, 'Liberate' was a tribute to powerful and influential women in society. The show was performed by an all-female cast of dancers featuring several powerful dance pieces set to a soundtrack of well selected songs and music pieces. 

Some of the notable performances told the story of influential women such as Rosa Parkes and Greta Gerwig and historical figures such as Florence Nightingale and Cleopatra. There were also more modern influences such as Madonna and the Lionesses.

The show was a real collaboration between staff and students with the support of BOA Stage and Screen's technical theatre students. 

The student talent on stage was truly inspirational. As dancers, they all brought a real sense of performance and flare. Their passion and drive as a year group really stands them in good stead for Year 11 and we look forward to what they will bring in next year's performances. 

On Wednesday 10th July, Year 12 Music Performance pupils took to the stage to perform a live rendition of the critically acclaimed ‘Frank’ album by the late Amy Winehouse. The event took place at ‘The Jam House’ located in the Jewellery Quarter and was commissioned by the venue owners who were seeking a ‘house-band’ style event. Hosted by Ms. Bentley, 40 music students took part in the show & experienced their first taste of ‘professional’ work within the Birmingham music scene! Following a hugely positive response from the packed audience, we are already planning a return to the venue early next year!

As part of BOA Creative Showcase on Tuesday 16th July, Y10 Creative Media Pathway presented 'Top of the Pops' - a modern reimagining of the world's longest running music show. A full theatre came to see students demonstrate their film production skills by producing music videos that spanned the past five decades.

Y12 Games Design & New Media presented 'Game Lab' - a curated selection of concept art, model designs and some excellent video game demos that brought all their game art skills together. Students made over £100 on merchandise sales! 

The Year 12 Acting students produced a fantastic set of three classical shows which they performed at the Old Rep for their summer classical season. Bold and imaginative interpretations of Shakespeare's  'As You Like It', 'Henry V' and 'Twelfth Night' took their audiences from live music at Woodstock in the 60s, to Guy Ritchie inspired style and violence via 'The Gentlemen', and finally on to Hawaii with Tiki induced dreams and shipwrecks. The students showcased their exceptional talents, and all three shows were hugely well received, achieving standing ovations each evening. To finish off a very busy and successful year in Year 12 Acting, we also invited previous Acting alumni back for workshops and Q&As on essential advice and support on drama school auditions, actor training, practical Meisner workshops and how to get an agent and spearhead your own opportunities in acting and creating in the future. It was lovely to welcome our alumni back and for them to share their successes and give valuable advice. 

Year 12 Musical Theatre Pathway students recently performed their showcase "Saints and Sinners" from Monday 24th – Tuesday 25th June 2024. ​

The showcase presented an eclectic array of musical numbers from shows such as Sister Act, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Producers, Guys and Dolls, Heathers and many more. Each number skilfully lent itself to the theme of "Saints and Sinners", with all students showcasing the excellent performance skills they have been developing thus far during their time at BOA. ​