An act of transgression: performing arts as a subject choice within a coastal area of deprivation

Colman, A. and Colman, G. (2020) An act of transgression: performing arts as a subject choice within a coastal area of deprivation. Studies in Theatre and Performance, 40(3), pp. 292-302. (doi: 10.1080/14682761.2020.1807206)

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Abstract

This paper examines the perceptions and aspirations of secondary school pupils interested in a career in the performing arts. The pupils in this case study were participating in drama-based courses and this research offers findings relevant for those working in schools, FE and HE, as well as the creative arts industries. This research is located within a coastal area of deprivation, Waveside, situated within England, UK. We have used fictional names for the towns, school and participants in this research, to offer anonymity. England’s coastal areas are often linked to deprivation. Within this context, a focus group of GCSE, A level and BTEC Drama pupils from Seagreen Secondary Academy, a secondary school in Waveside, provides the data that informs this research, with additional contextual narrative from the pupils’ teacher. The findings show that to study a performing arts subject is perceived by some pupils as an act of transgression. These pupils resisted neoliberal curriculum priorities resulting in tensions between school, parents and friends. Those acting as gate-keepers to professional actor training and other career opportunities within the arts, may need to review practices for recruitment and development support within marginalised communities.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:UNSPECIFIED
Authors: Colman, A., and Colman, G.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
Journal Name:Studies in Theatre and Performance
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1468-2761
ISSN (Online):2040-0616
Published Online:07 January 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 The Authors
First Published:First published in Studies in Theatre and Performance 40(3): 292-302
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
301220Incubate/Propagate: Networked Ecologies of New Performance-MakingElizabeth TomlinArts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)AH/R012962/1Arts - Theatre studies