Federation member students and staff lead inspiring performances at Senate House supported by the Convocation Trust

The performances are part of a funding programme developed by the Federation Partnerships team and awarded by the University of London Convocation Trust. The programme aims to grow our federation community by creating space for students and staff across the federation to come together for student-led performances on the Convocation Trust-funded Senate House Steps.

The project has provided opportunities for three federation members to promote their institutions and showcase the talent and expertise of their students through a significant performance in an iconic venue.

In spring this year, after a competitive application process which saw an incredible range of project ideas from musical performances, plays and festivals, the University was pleased to award funding to:

• Urdang, part of the Department of Performing Arts at City St George’s, University of London
• The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
• SOAS, University of London

Following the announcement the University of London collaborated with each team to begin designing three incredible student-led performances. 

Izzie Powell, Federation Partnerships Manager, said:

This project was developed to create new opportunities for the federation to come together. Thanks to the kind support of the Convocation Trust, we have been able to bring students and staff from across the 17 institutions to Senate House to enjoy performances led by their fellow students and colleagues.

It’s been wonderful to be able to showcase the talent we have across the federation working closely with colleagues at the three institutions to bring these ideas to life. We look forward to the upcoming performances throughout the year and continuing to build new ways to celebrate our incredible partnerships.

On 2 October, during our annual Student Welcome Fair, the University of London welcomed students and staff from Urdang, part of the department of performing arts at City St George’s for two incredible performances. Around 75 students and staff provided a vibrant showcase of their talents celebrating diversity, culture and the arts. Whilst the weather meant the entertainment moved inside the performers provided an incredible array of dancing, singing and musical theatre numbers brightening up the day. These were enjoyed by an audience of students and staff from across the federation in our iconic MacMillan Hall. 

David Blake, Urdang Director, said:

Urdang stands as a beacon of inclusion and diversity in the performing arts sector. Its reputation of excellence is underpinned by the fact that 97 per cent of students receive agent representation when they graduate and our alumni are cast in 32out of 35 West End shows.

Students showcased this excellence through a captivating array of vibrant performances that celebrated culture, diversity and the arts at Senate House, University of London. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Convocation Trust for generously funding this event and providing an invaluable opportunity for networking.

On Tuesday 15 October, we will be hosting the second of the three awarded groups led by the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama who will be delivering two performances from a diverse ensemble of students, graduates and staff collaborating to merge movement, sound, lighting design and scenography with light and projection on the Steps outside Senate House. The student-led teams will be delivering two performance performances at 4pm and 7pm. More information on Phantasmagoria by Royal Central can be found on our events page.

In February 2025, we will host the final awarded project in collaboration with students, staff and alumni of SOAS, University of London which includes a day-long festival titled “Connecting Worlds” which celebrates and showcases global music and performance. The day will include live performances, interactive activities, information stands, workshops and talks, local organisations and projects. More information will be available on our events page soon.

These collaborations have been made possible due to the kind support of the Convocation Trust.

If you are a student or staff federation member of the University of London and you’d like to explore ways to bring your projects to life at Senate House or collaborate with the University on an upcoming programme of work, please get in touch with the federation partnerships team.