Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and City of Wolverhampton College have unveiled a new partnership designed to provide students with valuable industry experience, exclusive opportunities and greater access to the arts.

The collaboration, which will officially launch in September, will begin this summer with students gaining immediate access to the Grand Theatre’s sixteen25 youth scheme, offering discounted tickets to a range of productions.

The partnership will create a range of opportunities for students studying Performing and Production Arts, including masterclasses led by industry professionals, work experience placements, shadowing opportunities and curriculum-linked workshops connected to the theatre’s programme.

Students will also benefit from a visit by the National Theatre Schools Tour production of Bacchae, which will be performed at the college. The contemporary adaptation of Euripides’ classic tragedy uses rhythm, movement and music to bring the story to life, giving students the chance to experience a National Theatre production without the need to travel to London.

Tim Colegate, Creative Director at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, said: “This partnership with City of Wolverhampton College is an exciting opportunity to support the next generation of performers and theatre-makers by giving them access to experiences and opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. We are looking forward to working closely with both staff and students.”

Louise Fall, Principal and Chief Executive of City of Wolverhampton College, welcomed the partnership, highlighting the benefits it will bring to students across the college.

She said: “This collaboration between two well-established Wolverhampton organisations is fantastic news for our current and future students. It will not only provide valuable insight into careers within the creative industries through behind-the-scenes access and industry experience, but will also make theatre more accessible through a range of discounts and benefits available to the wider student community.”