We are delighted to announce that the 2024 Baird Lectures will be given by esteemed Midlanders Shaheen Baig and Richard Armitage
Casting Director Shaheen Baig is renowned for her ability to find and nurture new and diverse acting talent and rising new filmmakers for both film and television.
Her many credits across the industry include How to Build a Girl, Everybody’s Talking about Jamie, Calm with Horses, The Nest, Three Girls, Black Mirror, The Third Day National Treasure and Strike.
She is also the casting director for all seasons of Peaky Blinders and Man Like Mobeen.
Shaheen was born in Washwood Heath and grew up in Erdington. She frequently returns to the Midlands for some of her recent productions.
Her exceptional skill is in finding and knowing the right person for the part to be cast. Watching her choices in their performances is the evidence of the skill and knowledge that Shaheen has brought to the television industry.
Richard Armitage is a multi-award-winning stage and screen actor best known for his film roles in The Hobbit, Captain America and Ocean’s 8. Alongside his powerful performances on Netflix’s Obsession, Stay Close and The Stranger.
Born in Leicester, Richard studied music at Brockington College in Enderby before expanding to dance and acting at Pattison College in Coventry. By the time he’d completed his formal education, he’d acted in productions such as Showboat and The Hobbit at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
He went on to study at LAMDA, before treading the boards for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Birmingham Rep.
After many successful roles in ensemble casts, Richard’s first leading role was in the BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North & South. Richard joined the cast of BBC spy drama Spooks in 2008, followed by playing SAS trooper John Porter on Sky’s Strike Back.
Join us on Friday 20th September at The Conservatoire in Birmingham for this unique event.
PLEASE NOTE:
This event is free to attend but places are limited and booking is essential.
Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
You can book your place by clicking the BOOK NOW link
Please note you can only book 1 place per person.
Tickets will not be issued, your name will be on our list and you will register on arrival.
Seats will not be allocated, but certain seating will be reserved, please do not sit in a seat marked ‘reserved’.
This is not a Meet and Greet event and filming is not permitted.
Please do not attend this event if you feel unwell.
