Bury College Performing Arts Department provides a platform for students to shine

Marc Young, Zimazile Nyathi and Maria Taylor are former Performing Arts students that have been on amazing journeys since leaving Bury College.

Marc Young joined in 2001 and immediately embraced all elements of life at Bury College. He said: “I really enjoyed all the performing elements but also learning about the impact that Performing Arts can have on education and the wider world."

After completing the course and finishing his education at the University of Bolton, he worked for 15 years teaching Drama at St Gabriel’s RC High School before founding the Sunnywood Project, a non-profit arts and nature education provider and outdoor events organiser. This organisation has combined two of Marc’s greatest loves, education and drama. 

Marc spoke passionately about his time at Bury College. He said: “I wouldn’t be where I am without the course and the help and guidance of my tutors Jools Beech and Andy Tomlinson.

He also offered some advice to our current crop of aspiring performers: “I would advise current students to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities that Bury College offers.”

Maria Taylor was with us between 2012 and 2014 and believes the course gave her a solid foundation to succeed.

Maria said: “Performing Arts at Bury College played a key part in my development as a performer. Andy and Jools offered encouragement throughout and were also there for advice and guidance.

After achieving fantastic grades, Maria attended Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama before using her skills to gain employment as a performer on cruise ships. She has also appeared in several independent films. Maria added: “My performing journey really started at Bury College and made me believe that a career as a performer was possible.”

Zimazile is at a very different stage of her career. The former The Derby High School pupil also believes that the course had a huge impact on her career as a performer. 

She currently studies Musical Theatre at the Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama where she will be graduating this summer. She already has agent representation and is auditioning for productions in the West End and employment opportunities on cruises.

Zimazile said: “The Performing Arts course at Bury College helped me develop as a person and performer. It helped me navigate the route that I want in the industry. The commitment and belief from the tutors have helped lead me to where I am today.”

Have you been inspired by these stories?

If you’re leaving High School this summer, you can still apply to study Performing Arts this September. The course will give you the knowledge, skills and understanding required to gain employment in the performing arts, dance and drama industry or access higher education. Click here for more information: https://burycollege.ac.uk/courses/vocational/ual-performing-and-production-arts-level-3