University News Last updated 21 May
A new report has outlined the major economic, cultural and social benefits of plans to create a national centre for musical theatre in Birmingham, with Birmingham City University (BCU) and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) playing a key role in the proposed partnership.
The proposed centre would be the first of its kind in the UK, bringing together musical theatre learning, development, production and performance in one location.
Planned for Birmingham’s Southside and Smithfield areas, the project would include new performance venues, rehearsal facilities and an education campus designed to support the full creative pipeline from training to employment.
With ambitions to position the region as a leading hub for musical theatre talent and innovation, the initiative is a partnership between Arts Council England, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust, West Midlands Combined Authority, BCU and RBC.
The report predicts the project could generate £464.2 million in benefits over 30 years, attract more than 339,000 additional visitors annually and support over 230 skilled jobs.
It also highlights opportunities for vocational training, apprenticeships and increased student places linked to musical theatre education.
Stephen Maddock, RBC Principal, said: “We have been providing exceptional training to young performers and creatives for more than a century here at Birmingham City University.
“The ambitions set out in this report demonstrate the potential for Birmingham to further strengthen its reputation as a leading destination for creative talent, innovation and opportunity within musical theatre.”
The partnership will now explore the next steps for delivering the proposed centre, following the launch of the report at UKREiiF earlier this week.
Pictured: Stephen Maddock (far left) with representatives from the partnership, including West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker.