Press Contact: Natalie Thomas
natalie.thomas@theatreroyal.com
14 November 2023
Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) has initiated a series of events to support all young people in the region aspiring to pursue a career in the arts, beginning with the launch of this year’s National Theatre’s Young Technicians programme.
Young people from across Plymouth can now sign up to take part in the completely free National Theatre’s training programme which offers 13-19-year-olds the chance to develop practical skills and learn about the variety of backstage and off-stage roles that exist within theatre. The 11 weeklong inclusive programme covers lighting, staging, sound and video from 09 January 2024.
The course is delivered through online and in-person sessions, with participants having the chance to take part in practical training workshops at TRP. The virtual sessions are delivered by leading industry professionals from the National Theatre with all participants receiving kit boxes to practise their skills at home. The sessions include exploring storytelling with sound, learning how electrical systems work in a theatre and how to tie knots to rig or fly pieces of set during shows.
Alongside the Nationwide Young Technicians programme, TRP will be holding audition technique workshops as well as its annual COMPANY15 work experience scheme. Designed for young actors, the workshops aim to hone acting skills and prepare aspiring actors for professional auditions and drama school applications. Taking place over two evenings, they will be led by professional theatre director and TRP Associate Director, John Haidar.
COMPANY15 is a weeklong careers experience opportunity for a select number of participants. Applications are open now for Year 10 – 13 students across the region aged 14 – 17. All applicants will be invited to an interactive workshop with around 15 candidates shortlisted and invited back for the week where they will work with staff from across the organisation both in the theatre and at its Production and Learning Centre, TR2 in Cattedown. The group will undergo practical tasks throughout the course and will take part in creative workshops with different departments.
COMPANY15 is for students who have a passion for, and are interested in studying, theatre, design, technical or arts related subjects or would like to pursue a career in the theatre industry. COMPANY15 2024 will take place in June.
Beth Siddal, Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Children, Young People & Families Officer, said: “We are committed to nurturing young creative talent and the Nationwide Young Technicians programme, our audition workshops and COMPANY15 are great platforms for young people who want to experience the industry and are looking for a pathway in. The sessions are delivered by industry experts and participants will gain not only high-quality experience of working within theatre, but transferable life skills.
“We’d encourage all young people to apply for these opportunities and are excited to work with the aspiring theatre professionals.”
Alice King-Farlow, Director of Learning and National Partnerships at the National Theatre, said: “The National Theatre is committed to sparking the imaginations of young people across the UK and creating opportunities to learn more about theatre. The Nationwide Young Technicians’ programme is a brilliant way for young people right across the country to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable experiences and transferable skills for future careers. By making roles in theatre more visible and creating accessible routes into the industry we hope more young people will be inspired to discover future careers in theatre and wider creative industries.”
For details on COMPANY15 or the National Theatre’s Nationwide Young Technicians programme visit www.theatreroyal.com/take-part/young-people.