As with everything there are frustrating barriers to be overcome or worked around but in the last 18 months I've started to see real change. Attendance in the cinema is up to 30% students, which might not sound like a lot but outranks many on-campus cinemas around the country, the next target is the theatre. Other projects that I am working with the Gulbenkian to implement include a volunteer scheme which will support interested University of Kent students to experience technical front of house and theatre marketing in a professional arts complex under the watchful eye of experienced theatre professionals. The value of this to students is unquestionable especially for those who which to enter into a career in the world of theatre. The Gulbenkian was my first experience of working in a professional theatre and I'm passionate to cement this scheme before it is time to 'shuffle off this representational coil.' Another fabulous opportunity available to students is the Gulbenkian feedback forum (which I informally call the G-spot) where everyone has the chance to offer their 'tuppence worth' as Grandpa would say and help to improve the Gulbenkian experience.
I thought I'd include some of the Topics discussed in a Q+A style here for those who couldn't attend.
Q: What are the obstacles to the Cinema showing blockbusters in release week? If we could see the films that the Odeon shows, the Gulbenkian prices are much more student-friendly.
A: Film distributors often put caveats on cinemas getting the films such as 'x' number of showings in the first week. The Gulbenkian only has one screen and is heavily restricted as to when it can show films.
Q: Why can't the cinema be more flexible in its showing times in the week?
A: The cinema is not released from timetabling until 6pm. Until this time it is used as a lecture theatre. Low availability of lectures theatres means there is little flexibility here.
Q: What about Wednesdays?
A: On these afternoons the cinema is used for UCAS Days for potential future students.
Q: What don't you serve proper popcorn?
A: Some people think it goes against the 'arthouse vibe' of the cinema.
Q: Yeah but doesn't everybody love popcorn? Especially students?
A: We'll take your feedback onboard and look into buying a machine.
Q: Can we take popcorn into the theatre?
A: It depends on the company, if its a quiet show possibly not. But for comedy, perhaps.
Q: The Cafe seems really expensive which is why some students are put off from eating there. Why is this?
A: This is down to having to charge V.A.T to everyone when they eat (making it 20% more expensive for students but no more expensive to staff.) We're looking at ways to keep the price down for students and keep the quality high.
Q: If we wanted to see a particular film or re-run would that be a possibility?
A: Absolutely! let us know about it. We already do this through the customer comments section but we're looking at whether we could have online polls where students could vote for films.
Q: What's the chance of using the theatre if available for open rehearsals if we're drama students?
A: Talk to us.
Q: How can we get involved?
A: Contact Kenny at the Union union-activities@kent.ac.uk or Jess at the Gulbenkian j.l.thomas@kent.ac.uk.
Hi everyone,
I am currently participating in Movember as are my all male team of colleagues where we all grow and sport moustaches to raise money for prostate cancer research.
I did this about two years ago as its something that has affected many people close to me
The link to our team page is here - http://uk.movember.com/team/534917 where you can either make donations to the team as a whole or to individuals.
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