People

Awards and roles for East 15 stars

As East 15 Acting School heads towards a new year, it has become more and more apparent that the success of the School is inevitably set to soar.

Not only has East 15 continued to collect awards for current students, including winning the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for five years running, but now a 2003 graduate has been nominated in the category of Most Promising Newcomer in the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards for her role in Cooking With Elvis, at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Viktoria Kay, graduated in July this year and went straight into rehearsals at the Octagon. With many more projects in the pipeline, Viktoria looks set to have an exciting future ahead.

Other recent success stories include fellow 2003 graduates: Alice O’Connell, who debuted at the Bush Theatre and has since appeared on The Bill, Doctors and Cowards; Shereen Patrice, currently playing the lead in Cinderella at The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, following her run in Dimetos at The Gate Theatre; Terry Grant, who has just started rehearsals for the popular West End show, Mousetrap; and numerous more graduates appearing in Regional theatres, on tour and in quality television drama on BBC and ITV.

Further nominations saw Amanda Drew up for Outstanding Newcomer, and Ann Mitchell and Sandy McDaid up for the Best Actress Award in the Evening Standard Theatre 2003 Awards, for their roles in Eastward Ho! at the Gielgud Theatre, Through the Leaves at Southwark Theatre, and Iron at Royal Court, respectively.

John Baraldi, Director of East 15 Acting School said 'It is really gratifying to see the continued success of East 15 students, especially when one sees the next generation of East 15 students making an impact on the profession alongside our already successful graduates. When we officially open our new building in January, it will open a new chapter to add to our rapidly growing list of successes.'

Film debut for catering porter

Simon Whitnell, Porter in Catering Services, is to star in a promotional video for Mencap which was recently shot at the University.

The video will be used to launch the Essential Skills at Work Award for all employees with learning difficulties. This award, devised by Mencap, is open to all those with learning disabilities who take on employment, and is similar to an NVQ award with the same accreditation.

Mencap is committed to lifelong learning for everyone in order that they develop essential skills such as health and safety, communicating, and making choices. The commitment to this means that people with learning disabilities are given more choices and more control over their everyday lives.

Simon was chosen to take part in the making of the video which concentrated on his everyday work experience. He was filmed carrying out a number of his daily duties and also interviewed about his work experiences.

Deborah Doorish, General Manager of Catering, said: 'Simon joined Catering Services more than seven years ago and during this time has achieved and progressed in many areas of not only his working life but also as a valid employee to the University. We are proud that he was chosen to feature in this video as it is a reflection of his hard work and commitment, and also shows employers what can be achieved by those with learning difficulties if they are given the opportunities to work.'

Having been shown at the national launch of the Essential Skills at Work Award in Birmingham, the video will also be used by Mencap, and its regional subsidiaries, to promote the benefits of employment, to potential employers and employees.

Also in the printed December edition of Wyvern:

• Clacton at War
• Donuts for Debbie