Edge Hill University and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse have announced the University as a new partner of the theatres.

The two-year deal, which runs from 2019 to 2021, strengthens already existing ties between the two organisations. The partnership will provide new opportunities for Edge Hill University students to work with theatre industry experts, and for the organisations to work collaboratively on projects benefitting the Liverpool City Region.

Student opportunities will encompass a range of modules and courses, including Performing Arts, English, History and Creative Writing, as well as courses associated with theatre management.

The theatres will host student welcome events and offer theatre spaces for students to develop, and showcase their work. Edge Hill University students will also be encouraged to access discounted tickets across the Everyman & Playhouse season to attend productions at the two theatres.

Mark Allanson, pro vice-chancellor (external) at Edge Hill University, said: “Our partnership with Everyman & Playhouse provides our students with excellent opportunities to enhance their employability by working with a world-class theatre. Our students will get to work with high-level professionals, gaining valuable perspectives on careers in the creative industries. In addition we will be collaborating on research projects in areas of mutual interest. The partnership will be beneficial for both organisations and for the region.”

The two institutions have worked closely with each other to create a deal that provides the best support for students, while also providing the theatres with the opportunity to engage with the University’s student body and faculty.

Gemma Bodinetz, artistic director at the Everyman & Playhouse, said: “We are thrilled to announce that we will be working in partnership with Edge Hill University. The Everyman & Playhouse and Edge Hill University have often worked together historically, but the formalisation of our partnership is a real commitment to enhance performing arts modules, provide work-related opportunities for students and to create annual research projects, with a particular focus on theatre’s relationship with health and wellbeing.

“This partnership presents a golden opportunity for shared initiatives and exchanges of best practice to the betterment of both organisations and the young people and students they engage with.”

Edge Hill University and Everyman & Playhouse’s most notable shared alumnus is actor Jonathan Pryce, who studied at the University in the 1960s and would regularly visit the Everyman as a student. He later became a member of the Everyman Company in the 1970s.

As part of the partnership, Edge Hill University students will be invited to attend a welcome event at the Everyman in September, where students will showcase work they have created with support from theatre practitioners.

For more information on studying at Edge Hill University, visit: edgehill.ac.uk/study.