Central alumna Cathy Englade (MA Applied Theatre, 2012), along with Dr Selina Busby (MA Applied Theatre Course Leader), current students Qita Iseley and Rachel Hunter (both BA Drama, Applied Theatre & Education, 2015) and a New York based production team, are developing the second phases of The Crossing Bridges Project in partnership with Central and Covenant House International, an NGO that shelters and aides more than 55,000 homeless and trafficked youth annually throughout six countries.

The New York based project, designed and led by Cathy, kicked off in spring 2015, when Covenant House youth attended master classes facilitated by some of the theatre industry’s most accomplished artists including Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winners and nominees. After four weeks of learning the fundamentals in writing, directing and acting for stage, the young people and guest artists collaboratively devised and then performed to a full house at the Crossing Bridges Play Festival on 22nd March in The Helen Mills Theatre.

Building on the success of this project, Covenant House and Central are now working in partnership to create another two projects in this academic year. Phase two sees a further 15 young people and 28 Broadway Professionals working together for four weeks in the autumn of 2015. This work will culminate in a public performance on 15th November. Free tickets for the event are available via Eventbrite.