Staging a new career

Jobs fair aims to help young people find their next steps

The Rep’s Careers Day was taking place today at the South Tay Street theatre from 4pm to 7pm.

Representatives of colleges and universities — including Dundee and Angus College, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Queen Margaret University, Napier University, Fife College and Scottish Drama Training Network — were lined up to offer guidance and advice on further and higher education courses and funding options.

Organisers are hoping the event will inspire and inform children from S4 and up on taking their first steps from school into a career in the arts. Lisa Williamson, creative learning facilitator at the Rep, said: “Dundee Rep Theatre Careers Day is now in its eighth year, and attracts young people from across North East Scotland who are considering pursuing a career in theatre or the arts. The aim is to give young people the opportunity to get information about courses available to them, routes into these courses and practical advice.”

Young people will have the chance to take part in the practical workshops throughout the event. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will run a musical theatre and audition preparation workshops, while Dundee Rep’s Leila Kalbassi and Rachel Johnson will give the participants an insight to stage and costume design. Rachel, who works at the Rep as a wardrobe assistant and costume designer, said: “I want to open people’s eyes to the reality of a career in design. “We don’t just sew or paint and you won’t just have a career in that. “We can introduce people to the fact that they’re helping to build worlds. “It’s quite magical.”

FUTURE actors, singers and stage-builders are being invited to Dundee Rep for guidance on how to launch their careers.

Pictured at Dundee Rep ahead of today’s careers day event are (clockwise, from back) Lisa Williamson, Rachel Johnson and Leila Kalbassi.