Acting Students Explore the Meaning of ‘Alone Time’ in Lockdown
A group of acting students from Edinburgh College have worked remotely with industry professionals to produce a short-film based on the meaning of ‘alone time’.
The film – Alone Time – A COVID-19 Timepiece – consists of 31 self-made short clips recorded by the College’s HND Year 2 Acting students and produced by Scottish production company Plum Films.
The concept for the piece was developed by the College’s Acting lecturer Scott Johnston who wanted to set the students a project which would enable them to continue their learning and explore their creativity during lockdown.
After the students’ final showcase performance due to take place this month at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre was cancelled, in line with the ongoing lockdown restrictions, Scott wanted to find another way for the students’ talents to be seen by industry professionals and members of the public.
The students were asked to record a short-film detailing what the term ‘alone time’ meant to them and what it represented in a time when many people are experiencing increased periods of isolation.
In the lead up to making the short-films, students participated in an online workshop led by Emma Callendar from Theatre Uncut who specialises in online theatre practice. During the eight-day rehearsal process students were also mentored by industry professionals including Plum Films Producer Micky MacPherson, award-winning actor and Wildfire Theatre Company founder Pauline Lockhart and Scottish actor Keith Fleming.
Thanks to the connections of the College’s Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) department, the students’ work will be shared by theatre companies across the UK as well as in India, Romania, Lithuania and Iran.
HND Acting student Lauren Scott said: “Alone Time has been a truly unique experience in such a unique time, that has given us all the opportunity to learn about creating digitally to communicate each of our individual experiences of lockdown.”
Lecturer Scott Johnston said: ” I am immensely proud of the work our students have created for Alone Time. Their creative response to working and making work online is a tribute to their ability to adapt to the situation and produce work that is touching, funny and relatable.
“I am delighted that our contacts throughout three continents are prepared to share the work and allow our graduating actors the opportunity to be seen by such a wide audience.”
Plum Films Producer Micky MacPherson said: “It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with the Edinburgh College PASS students on the ‘Alone Time’ piece. Given the different times in which we’re all studying and working, I’ve been so impressed with the quality and variety of talent displayed by the students throughout my mentoring journey. It’s been inspirational, and I would encourage and support similar projects of this nature as a great platform for the students to share their creative vision and talent.”
The film premiered on the PASS Facebook page on Friday 5 June and has been watched by over 2,000 people.
Watch the Alone Time film on Vimeo.
Please note: The film contains strong language and the views expressed do not reflect those of the College.
