Stage jobs Theatre aiming to inspire next generation
BRISTOL Old Vic is attempting to inspire a new generation to take up work in the theatre industry in a bid to address a skills shortage.
A series of new projects are designed for people who are new to theatre and theatre-making and offer practical ways of learning about the varied careers in the sector. Bristol Old Vic hopes these additional projects will help to tackle the wider talent shortage the industry is facing as well as improving wellbeing and confidence for those involved.
Executive director of Bristol Old Vic, Charlotte Geeves said: “Despite a challenging financial backdrop, Bristol Old Vic continues to champion work with and for young people. We know that arts subjects inspire creativity, enable learning, build skills and support wellbeing.
“We also look forward to working alongside the West of England Combined Authority to support their place partnership programme, that will enable every school pupil to access a cultural experience each year. Together we know these initiatives will help young people to thrive, succeed in their future work and bring joy to their lives.”
One of the schemes is a brand-new Technical Youth Theatre for ages 15-18. This three-year project is a free programme taking place on-site at the Old Vic. Participants will attend weekly sessions covering a range of skills with the aim of giving a pathway into production-based roles.
Engagement director Lucy Hunt, said: “This new programme is not about performing on stage but about a lifelong career in the industry – the huge range of transferable skills that can be used for an ongoing career and even to become the next generation of artistic directors or chief executives if that is someone’s goal.
“It’s perfect for young people who have great attention to detail, who are creative and inquisitive with an interest in getting stuck into the practical sides of the industry.”
Sitting alongside this on March 18 is Bring The Drama Industry Day at the theatre – an informative fun morning for 15-19 year olds who want to find out more about what it takes to run a theatre.
BOV is partnering with the BBC’s Bring the Drama Festival, a six-week programme of careers events around the UK showcasing behind-the-scenes jobs in the creative industries, opening up doors to the next generation of behind-the-scenes talent. This sits alongside the BBC series Bring the Drama hosted by Bill Bailey which follows eight people who have always dreamt of becoming professional actors but have never had the opportunity.
Another of the projects is Young Company Global Majority – a space where young people aged 16-25 from Global Majority backgrounds come together and make theatre.
The group was founded as a response to the theatre sector, where Global Majority theatre makers will often be in a minority.
Engagement assistant Lili Harvey said: “The Global Majority group was established at Bristol Old Vic to create environments that serve and provide well-rounded experiences to all of our creative young people in the city. Too many times they have found themselves in spaces where they are the minority, shrinking parts of their personalities and understandings to appear the same.”
Young Company Global Majority member Lillian said: “It’s really nice to have a Global Majority space with is a really accepting free place to be who you are - it’s nice to have a place with no fear, no anxiety, and just ‘this is who I am.”
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