Update from Read College

So much has happened here at Read since the last time I posted, I scarcely know where to begin!

Firstly, the Reading Half Marathon...  The run was a great success and we are massively grateful to all of our tutors who took part most especially Seamus Allen, who took on the whole 13.2 miles rather than the expected leg of the relay he had volunteered for, when one of our other runners pulled out due to injury at the last moment.

In all Seamus and myself, and the relay team consisting of Helen Read, Eva Blanco and Michelle Legg, raised over £1,000 for the student bursary fund which we are DELIGHTED with!  In fact, I had so much fun that I've signed up to run another half marathon in October!

Secondly, our move to the new premises is now complete.  It was a massive amount of work, and the team of volunteers who gave their time over Easter and into this term have been amazing.  Fancy a look around?  Here it is!

Reception Area

Corridor to Offices and Staff Room

Drama Studio

Student Green Room area

Dance Studio/Studio Theatre

Vocal Studio

Dance Studio/Studio Theatre

What a fantastic place to come to work every day!  We are very grateful to our new landlords at the University of Reading for their help with our move, and also to all of our staff, friends, supporters and even an ex-student who turned out to help us with the mammoth task of moving the whole college in 4 days.

Our official 'press opening' was on the Sunday just gone (May 13th), and our students were treated to an incredible workshop with Bobby Cronin - currently over in the UK from New York - who worked with the students in the lead up to the cutting of the (imaginary) ribbon in the Studio Theatre.

Left to Right - Sarah Crumpton, Natalie-Ann Stanley, Adam Butler, Emma Louise Southall, Bobby Cronin, Emma Cox, Jessica Wilcox & Lowri Hughes at the opening of the new Read Dance and Theatre College

 Now we are heading towards another fundraiser for our Student Hardship Fund, which will be a concert in my home town of Thatcham, West Berkshire. Featuring some great talent from the West End - all of whom are giving their time for free to support the charity - the evening will be under the musical direction of our fantastic resident MD, Ellie Verkerk.  The concert is on June 17th at 7.30pm and tickets are available now by calling the college office on 0118 9666774 or 08451 307408, and at just £10 to see the stars of the West End musicals up-close and personal it's a bargain!

Read Dance and Theatre College is a registered charity in the UK number 1142899 and supports young people in their training in the performing arts based on their talent and dedication, without their finances hindering their chances of succeeding in the industry.


To find out more about how to support the charity, contact us on 08451 307408, email admin@rdtc.org.uk or simply click on the link below.