Arts degree interlude before new season

After 18 years of creative formation, Regents is to pause to discern a fruitful new season ahead, writes Peter Hutchinson.

In John’s Gospel , Jesus gives a striking picture of fruitfulness: growth comes through pruning. Any gardener understands this tension. A healthy future depends on remembering the beauty of the last season – and having the courage to cut back for what is to come.

Sometimes, replanting is needed too. We sense we are in just such a moment with Regent’s degree in Applied Theology and Performing Arts.

For 18 years, we have trained, tended and guided students as they developed their creative gifts. It has been a remarkable season.

Graduates have stepped into leading Christian theatre companies, pioneered creative programmes in churches and communities, and gone on to teach and establish their own initiatives.

Others have become writers and directors, taking productions to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, touring nationally, and contributing widely to the arts.

Through their faith and character, they have made a significant mark.

We are also encouraged by the growing number of former students serving in Elim churches – investing in young people, contributing to worship teams, and leading as pastors.

As far as we know, this degree remains unique, equipping theatre-makers with both practical excellence and theological depth.

As one university assessor noted: “It is extremely rare to find a degree that combines theatre practice, theatre studies, and theological studies so well.

I know of no other provision like it anywhere around Britain – and indeed, anywhere else in the English-speaking world.”

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