Drama graduates’ theatre company to launch production

Graduates from the University of Exeter's Drama Department are to reinvigorate Exeter’s theatre scene. ‘Reverb’ Theatre Company aspires to be a key organisation in the city's cultural and artistic development.

Agent, their first production, encourages audience members to complete a theatrical jigsaw by becoming the agent and solving the conspiracy behind an extraordinary true event from the annals of Exeter’s past.

Reverb was selected as this year’s winner of the ‘Staging the Future’ competition. Drama Lecturer Anna Harpin, whose theatre company founded the award, said: "Staging the Future is designed to offer an important bridging opportunity for our bright graduates between their university experiences and their professional life. The initiative is also designed to strengthen the ties between the University and the city in a manner that is mutually rewarding." Reverb were awarded £500, rehearsal space, technical and publicity support and a box office split for their production in October entitled Agent.

The company was founded by Zach Price (Director), Rachael Burton (Creative Producer) and Rob Stenson (Technical Stage Manager). Rachael commented, “Reverb is committed to becoming a strategic partner in the development of the cultural scene within Exeter and Devon. Our company will offer artistic leadership and a fresh wave of creativity and a passion for creating theatre locally.”

Reverb will endeavour to feature graduate performers in all of their projects to provide them with a stepping stone into the professional artistic world. They encourage local actors, current students and graduates of the University to audition for future performances.

Agent will be performed at Exeter’s Bike Shed Theatre from 9-13 October 2012. Set in 1939 Exeter, the show will have strong links to the history of the city and the underworld crime scene. Audience members are invited to attend in black tie as the underground patrons of the Star Stores Public House on Fore Street.

Tickets cost £7 each or £5 for concessions and are available from the theatre's box office.

Follow Reverb on Twitter: @ReverbArts
Find them on Facebook: Search 'Reverb Arts'

Date: 20 September 2012