We were very excited to welcome back Nikhil Vyas (OW) this week. Nikhil, who left Wilson’s in 2013, has worked as a theatre maker since his graduation, and is currently working on a theatre project, partly in Croydon, with successful funding and support from Arts Council England.

Nikhil and his colleague, Jessie Anand, led two exciting drama workshops for Year Seven pupils in our studio. Focused on the skill of devising drama, particularly with a historical focus, pupils really enjoyed the opportunity to exercise their creative skills with industry professionals. Nikhil commented on how impressed he was to see strong drama provision for pupils—an aspect of school life which has developed hugely in the years since he left. Two photos of Nikhil in school productions, including Twelfth Night, hang on the walls of our studio.

At lunchtime, Nikhil and Jessie led a talk and discussion on Careers in the Arts. Nikhil shared his experiences of working both as a freelancer and in permanent roles in the arts field, and together with Jessie, helped students to understand the challenges and opportunities of a career in the Arts. It was inspirational for pupils to see a peer succeeding in this field. Questions covered everything from finances to creative processes. It was very uplifting to see students ambitious to succeed in careers as varied as animation, acting, music and poetry.

Thanks must be given to Nikhil and to Jessie for their time as well as to Mr Kavanagh for co-ordinating the event. We hope to develop this further with a Careers in the Arts evening next year.