Recent graduate Luke Swainson received this years Acting student of the year award for BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen. This Award is for the acting student who has produced the strongest work across different mediums.

Staff commented “This student has had a fantastic three years on the programme. His work is always to a high standard across a range of mediums. This year he created a fantastic show at ARC as part of InterAct 2024, performed in another theatre piece and worked collaboratively on a very strong film. He has also gained his first professional credit his academic year with Squiggle Productions. He has been a pleasure to teach and the team are all excited to see what he does after graduation.”

Luke Swainson from, Hayfield, North Derbyshire, chose to study here because “the community and the standout quality of the teaching staff on the acting course.” Read on to find out more about his experience on our acting degree, award win and next steps:

How did you find your time on our acting degree?

I have loved everything about my course to be perfectly honest – the variety of teaching and disciplines we’re exposed to, the sheer amount of opportunities we have had, and again, the impact that the quality of impeccable teaching and staff support we have received over our 3 years.

Tell us about your FMP!

My FMP was a piece of clowning theatre focusing on 4 robbers attempting to stage a heist, being told with mime and physical theatre. There was live music, live sound effects, lots of laughing and some tears! It’s a deeply passionate project and unique style that I will be continuing to develop as a professional actor and theatre maker working within the North-East.

You are one of our award winners! How did it feel to receive the acting student of the year award?

I really didn’t expect to be given such an award but it felt truly gratifying to have the work that I’ve put into my 3 years be recognised by the Lecturers. It has also given me further reassurance of my own abilities as I look to my future working within the creative industry.

Tell us about a favourite memory from your time studying here:

I would have to say that my favourite memories have been with the people I’ve been able to meet, both within my course and the wider university. Being surrounded by such creative and like-minded people has been such an enriching experience, I feel hard-pressed to pick just one!

What are your plans for the future?

The most immediate creative plans I am involved in are ‘You.Don’t.Think’ – a movement piece being taken to Durham Fringe and working as part of the BrainSoup Collective – a newly founded theatre company creating offbeat, surrealist plays within the North-East – in ‘Ashtray’ – a clowning piece performing at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle. Being fortunate enough to join BrainSoup is the perfect avenue for me to continue developing and working creatively with incredible performers, writers, and technicians, as we look forward to beginning development on a new piece of theatre for performance in 2025.

What is your favourite thing about Hartlepool?

Living in Hartlepool has allowed me to stay connected with the close friends and peers I have made connections with, not to mention how wonderful some of the sights are – Steetley Pier, the Headland, the Maritime Museum, all have such interesting history and life to them.

Any advice for future students?

My advice to prospective students would be: Regardless of what institution you attend whether that’s at Northern or elsewhere, you get out of the course what you put into it. Go for as many opportunities as you can. Turn up on time. Put your best foot forward, and the rewards with come your way!

Keep up to date with Luke’s work on Instagram: @luke_swainson @brainsoup_collective.

If you are interested in studying acting at degree level make sure you visit our degree course page to find out more about the course, our partners, student opportunities and how to apply!