The Stage

Old Vic launches transatlantic exchange scheme

Published Tuesday 23 February 2010 at 15:00 by Alistair Smith

London’s Old Vic Theatre has unveiled a new US/UK exchange programme that will see 100 young theatre practitioners swap places across the Atlantic.

This April, 50 actors, writers, directors and producers, aged between 18 and 30, will travel from London to New York for a week-long placement in The Public Theatre. In May, 50 US artists will take part in a similar programme at the Old Vic. The scheme, which is an extension of an earlier initiative run by the Old Vic, is being supported by the TS Eliot estate and will be called the TS Eliot US/UK Exchange programme.

Old Vic artistic director Kevin Spacey said: “We are thrilled to engage with the artistic communities on both sides of the Atlantic through the TS Eliot US/UK Exchange programme and encourage young artists to embark on a memorable experience to learn about theatre abroad. New York and London are inspiring homes for creativity and this scheme is part of the Old Vic’s dedication to encouraging transatlantic collaborations.”

To apply, practitioners should visit www.ideastap.com. Applicants will be judged on their talent, commitment to theatre and their understanding of the potential professional and personal rewards of participating in the project. They will be chosen by a panel of theatre experts.

¥ Meanwhile, the Old Vic has also announced it has acquired a licence from Lambeth Council to transform the tunnels beneath Waterloo Station into a new performance space. The venue will be known as the Old Vic Tunnels - the same space which was used by Punchdrunk for its Metropolis installation in May 2009.

During 2010, the space will host at least four shows with runs of two to five weeks and the season will culminate in a major production by Old Vic New Voice’s community department Platform, which will feature 100 members of the public. The tunnels will also host a series of ‘pop-up’ events and film screenings throughout the year.