THE Octagon Theatre and the University of Bolton are teaming up to launch a unique new degree course.

Students will get the chance to work on professional productions and will be taught by renowned director David Thacker — who will become the university's new Professor of Theatre

The university and the theatre have been working on the new honours degree in theatre — and the first students will enrol next September.

Mr Thacker will take up his new position next July when he completes his tenure as artistic director of the Octagon.

He will continue to direct two plays a year at the theatre — and it will be these productions which theatre students work on.

Mr Thacker has directed more than 150 theatre production and worked with actors including Pierce Brosnan, Sue Johnston, Helen Mirren and Natasha Richardson as well as leading directors including Sam Mendes and Sir Trevor Nunn.

He said: “This partnership is going to be a wonderful opportunity for the town, the university and the theatre.

“It is groundbreaking. There is nothing else like it in the world.

“I’m delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the first Professor of Theatre at the University of Bolton.

“This gives me the opportunity to bring together academic study and theatre practice in what I believe will be the most exciting theatre degree in the UK.

“Leading this course will be a stimulating new challenge for me and I will be delighted to continue to serve the Octagon's loyal audience by directing two productions a year.

"The Octagon has a very exciting future and I'm confident that the next artistic director will safeguard the heritage of the theatre."

The new partnership will mean students will benefit from working alongside one of the UK's most successful regional producing theatres, giving them a professional insight into the acting world.

Students will experience the process of production at the Octagon, learning directly from practicing professionals and having the opportunity to take up work experience placements.

They will be able to specialise in disciplines including direction, production and theatre management, with teaching taking place at both the Octagon Theatre and on campus.

Sam Johnson, head of the Bolton School of the Arts, based at the university, said: “This partnership with a producing theatre of this calibre will open up many opportunities for students

“This partnership is quite unique — with the associate director becoming a Professor of Theatre.

“Having run a successful top-up degree in performing arts for a number of years, it is very satisfying to be expanding our provision to include this vibrant and innovative degree programme in theatre and associated professional practice.

“It is a course which is underpinned by rigorous academic learning as well as providing students with a valuable insight into the many dimensions of working in a theatre and the wider creative industries.

"We very much look forward to welcoming David to the School of the Arts and we are certain that we will all benefit hugely from the magnificent professional experience he will bring with him."

Mr Thacker will remain at the theatre as associate artistic director until 2018.

The new course builds on the Octagon and the University of Bolton's long partnership, with the university being the theatre’s principal sponsor and the Octagon contributing regularly to the university’s Performing Arts, English and Creative Writing courses.

The degree course is being jointly designed by Octagon and university staff, with the costs and revenue being shared between the two organisations.

The university will also act as a co-producer on a number of Octagon productions which will help ensure that audiences can continue to enjoy ambitious productions and that students will be able to experience the highest standards of production in regional theatre.

The initiative has been driven forward by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor George Holmes, the Octagon’s chief executive, Roddy Gauld, and Mr Thacker.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Professor George Holmes said: "Our university believes in growing through partnership and working together with organisations to achieve extraordinary developments which could not be achieved by one single organisation.

“This partnership development between an independent theatre and a university is unique in this country. It is a testament to our commitment to work together for our organisations and our town."

Mr Gauld added: “Our new theatre degree is an incredibly exciting development.

"For students it is a wonderful opportunity to learn about theatre in a rewarding and enriching way.

“For the Octagon it is a new and innovative business venture, helping to sustain the strength of the theatre in the future.

"David’s experience, his commitment to the Octagon, and his passion for developing talent make him the ideal person to spearhead this initiative.”