The Octagon Theatre and the University of Bolton have forged a unique partnership development which will create a new degree programme, a new professorship and give students and theatre audiences a new experience.
An innovative BA (Hons) degree in Theatre is set to admit its first students next September, enabling them to study the critical and practical aspects of theatre in both university and professional settings.
David Thacker will become the first Professor of Theatre in July, when he completes his tenure as artistic director of the Octagon. He will remain associate artistic director until 2018, directing two productions a year.
These will be at the heart of the new degree and the theatre will begin recruiting his successor in the near future.