Hollywood star and producer Michael Sheen OBE has paid a visit to Cardiff and Vale College’s £45m landmark City Centre Campus and officially opened its theatre – Theatr Michael Sheen.
During his visit Michael toured the creative facilities at City Centre Campus, meeting with staff, students, apprentices and partner employers to learn about the College’s work to provide a stream of future talent for the creative industries. CAVC is founder college of the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills in Wales.
The visit also marked the official opening of Theatr Michael Sheen – the College’s 100-seat theatre space for student and community performances. The opening featured short addresses from BAFTA Cymru Director Hannah Raybould and Michael himself.
In a rallying cry to the College’s Creative students, Michael said: “We all know about Dr Who, Sherlock, Casualty and things like that have been going on which have created a new sense of confidence in who we are and what we do. People have been coming to Wales for years and years to use our landscapes and communities and people both behind and in front of the camera. It is time that we took ownership of that – this is our country, this is our land and this is our culture.
“We need to create a system to allow that and I think what you are talking about and the aspirations of the College are absolutely true to that. I look around the College and the work that’s going on and the building itself and what it reflects back is quality – you are worth it.
“So I am honoured and so excited that my name could be associated with this. It’s very humbling and I am very grateful. I wish you all the very best luck in all that you do. Remember me in the future and maybe one day you can give me a job!”
BAFTA Cymru Director Hannah Raybould said: “BAFTA Cymru is proud to be working with Cardiff and Vale College on a programme of events to allow access to our nominees and winners for students hoping to work in the creative media industry. We’re looking forward to hosting these events in the new Theatr Michael Sheen, an association we hope will inspire and encourage those learning and performing in the space as they reflect on Michael’s varied career to date.”
Cardiff and Vale College Principal and Chief Executive Mike James said: “We are thrilled that Michael was able to join us for the opening of our performance space – Theatr Michael Sheen. This theatre, in the heart of Cardiff City Centre, will provide a valuable space for our creative students but will be for the benefit of the local community as well.
“The creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors in Wales so it is vital that colleges work with employers to help build a pipeline of future creative talent for Wales and beyond. That is why we are delighted that Michael has not only come here to open our theatre, but he has also put his name to it.”
