The Stage

Arts Council England launches theatre careers initiative for youngsters

Published Monday 5 November 2007 at 11:45 by Lalayn Baluch

Arts Council England is running an initiative to attract young people to the theatre industry, by holding a series of events designed to introduce them to creative career opportunities.

Open Doors will allow those interested in employment and participation in theatre - particularly relating to administration, backstage, technical and front of house - to meet professionals, find out about training and take part in workshops.

There will be 24 events in 23 venuesacross the country during November and December.

In addition, a new website called www.getintotheatre.org has been launched this month, featuring stories of individual artists’ routes into theatre and connect to information about training opportunities.

Barbara Matthews, ACE director of theatre strategy, said: “Open Doors is part of a three-year development to engage young people in theatre. Arts Council England is delighted more than 22 producing theatres are joining together with touring companies and individual artists, throughout November, to enable young people to learn more about opportunities for working in the theatre sector.

“From Plymouth to Cumbria and across to Newcastle, Open Doors will allow many young people to engage with theatre professionals in an exciting and dynamic way.”

Full details of Open Doors event can be found at www.artscouncil.org.uk/opendoors