During his visit, Mayor Parker toured the Academy, meeting students across courses and seeing firsthand the hands-on training that equips them for professional careers. Throughout the day, he reflected on the commitment and ambition of the students, noting how they travel from across the Midlands — including Staffordshire, Leamington Spa, and Stourbridge — to learn their craft at the Academy.

In the Workshops, Set, Props & Costume students showcased their work on projects, including creating props for the BOA Group’s upcoming Christmas production, Cinderella, at The Old Rep in the city centre. They also discussed the skills they are developing on their course and the career paths they hope to pursue in the creative sector.

In the Hair & Make Up studios, students discussed their skills development and work placements at leading Midlands venues, including the Old Rep and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The recently refitted studio reflects the Academy’s growth, providing the space needed for expanding cohorts. Students also showcased the stunning make-up looks they had been working on that morning — creations so professional they could easily grace a runway or a film set.

The Mayor then visited Film & TV students in the Academy’s professional gallery, where they were working on content for proposed television show ideas. He was impressed by the collaborative spirit at the Academy, where students from different courses combine their skills to bring projects to life. During the visit, students shared what inspired them to wanting to pursue careers in Film and TV and what makes the Academy special. One student highlighted the benefits of the Academy’s hands-on approach, explaining that they gain experience across a wide range of projects — from producing game shows and filming chat show segments to creating their own films, documentaries, and more.

In the Writing, Directing & Screen Craft department, the Mayor observed student filming projects and the impact of television and film on audiences. He also acknowledged the dedication of the Academy’s teaching staff, many of whom are practicing freelancers in the creative sector, bringing current industry experience directly into the classroom.

In Lighting & Sound, students were rigging equipment, designing their own lighting shows, and working hands-on with the sound desks. Many are also contributing to the BOA Group’s upcoming Christmas production, Cinderella. The Academy not only teaches students their craft but also helps them develop skills for entering the industry or freelancing, with placements across the Midlands supporting this — particularly in the technical theatre elements, where PRG, a huge worldwide company, provide significant support.

BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy students play an active role in Cinderella, a production celebrating regional talent, with a professional cast and creative team entirely from the Midlands, including director Lorna Laidlaw. Students gain real-world experience through set building, costume design, hair and make-up, and lighting programming, working alongside industry professionals.

Discussions during the visit also explored ways to improve accessibility for students travelling to the Academy, particularly from the Sandwell area and further, ensuring more young people can benefit from its programmes.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “There was some incredible talent on show at BOA: not only the performers, but also the young people learning vital backstage technical skills.”

“The training our young people are getting from BOA and others is helping them secure exciting jobs in film, TV, theatre and music at a time when our entertainment sector is booming. This rapid growth is being driven by new investment from the BBC, the opening of the region’s first major film studios, and the ongoing transformation of Digbeth into a creative powerhouse.”

Kate Tague, CEO of the BOA Group, said: "We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, to the Academy today. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase what BOA Stage and Screen is all about — nurturing the creatives of tomorrow. With the creative sector on the rise in the West Midlands, it’s more important than ever to give this industry the attention it deserves and support young people in building careers right here at home."

The visit underscored BOA Stage and Screen’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals and ensuring that young people across the Midlands can launch successful careers in the creative sector.

BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy is now accepting applications for September 2026. To discover more and take your first steps into the film and screen industries, join them for their next Open Event on Wednesday 7^th January 2026 – book your place now.

You can find out more about BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy on their website www.trainbackstage.co.uk.