• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

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Renowned actor returns to Teesside to launch annual University event

Dr Stephen TompkinsonDr Stephen Tompkinson is set to inspire those who wish to follow in his creative footsteps when he visits Teesside University to open an annual showcase event.

The Stockton-born actor will officially launch 16 Degrees, an annual showcase of work and creativity from students in the University’s School of Arts & Media. The event covers disciplines including performing arts, design, filmmaking, history and fine art.

Held from 23 May to 3 June, 16 Degrees is a celebration of achievement and involves exhibitions, talks, film screenings and displays across the University.

*** Dr Stephen Tompkinson will attend a showcase event in The Curve at 4.45pm, on Thursday 26 May, where he will be shown some of the work from 16 Degrees. Professor Jane Turner, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) will also address a group of invited guests from the business community.

Media are invited to attend this event and Dr Tompkinson will be available for interviews and photographs from 5.15pm.  He will then officially launch 16 Degrees with a talk in the Athena Building at6.30pm, which media are also welcome to attend. ***

Dr Tompkinson received an honorary degree from Teesside University last year.

He has been a well-known face in television and film for three decades, playing detective Alan Banks in the ITV crime drama DCI Banks. Dr Tompkinson previously starred in Ballykissangel and Wild at Heart, and his film credits include the 1996 comedy-drama Brassed Off. He regularly performs on the stage in London’s West End and played Damien Day in the hit comedy Drop the Dead Donkey from 1990 to 1998.

“I was extremely proud to receive an honorary degree from Teesside University and am delighted to be asked to open this fantastic event,” explained Dr Tompkinson.

“There are some incredibly talented people in this area and it is important that we nurture and encourage their creativity in order to give them the best possible platform to succeed.”

Jill Morgan, Dean of the School of Arts & Media, added: “Stephen Tompkinson is an incredible ambassador for Teesside University and is a fine example to our students of what can be achieved with hard work, talent and dedication.

“He has enjoyed sustained success in the arts and performance industry and we hope that many of our students displaying work at 16 Degrees will be inspired by his achievements to pursue their own successful careers.”

16 Degrees is open to students, staff and members of the public. The programme of events includes:

Media: The TV and media production degree show is the annual showcase of student films. Selected films are screened at ARC cinema to an invited audience of friends and family. Awards are also presented by guests from industry, including successful producers and directors. The screening takes place from 5.30pm on Monday 23 May at ark, Stockton.

Performing arts: Dance students will perform in the Hazel Pearson Theatre at Middlesbrough College at 4.00pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 24 May. Performance for Live and Recorded Media students will follow at 6.30pm onThursday 26 May.

English: Words matter will celebrate the work of English studies and creative writing students, with performances and panels, providing a thought provoking and stimulating showcase.  This event takes place from3.00pm to 5.30pm on Thursday 26 May in The Curve.

Design: A mix of work from all the creative specialisms, including graphic design, illustration, multimedia and motion graphics, product design, furniture, interior architecture and interior design.  The art and design degree show will be launched at 6.30pm on Thursday 26 May in the Athena building.

Fine art: Fine art students will showcase a mixture of work including sculpture, painting, photography, sound and printmaking at the art and design degree show.

History: The history showcase will allow students to present their final year dissertation projects using video installation to demonstrate the depth and breadth of their research. This takes place from 7.00pm on Thursday 26 May in the Constantine Gallery.

To find out more about 16 Degrees, visit www.tees.ac.uk/16degrees.

By admin