Get Into Theatre merges with Masterclass to forge ‘clear path’ into industry

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Clare Annamalai and Alex Duarte-Davies. Photo: Flavia Fraser Cannon

Theatre charities Get Into Theatre and Masterclass are to combine into a single organisation that aims to create a "clearer, more accessible and more sustainable" route into the industry for young people.

The merger has been backed by industry figures such as actor Cush Jumbo, while representatives have ruled out any downsizing or redundancies during the transition.

Get Into Theatre’s chief executive Alex Duarte-Davies called it a "milestone" for the wider industry and argued that an effort to break down barriers into theatre for young people was "needed more than ever".
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Jumbo, who has collaborated with both organisations, added: "Masterclass and Get Into Theatre already do brilliant work supporting young people, so I know that by joining forces they will make the journey into a theatre career more visible, more accessible and more possible for the next generation.”

Operating under the name Get Into Theatre, the new organisation will absorb Masterclass’ established programme of paid internships, workshops and ticket offers for young creatives, as well as the annual offstage careers fair TheatreCraft.

Meanwhile, Get Into Theatre’s existing national digital platform for 12-25 year olds will continue, beginning what leaders hope will become a coherent path throughout adolescence from "first inspiration" to "first job".

Duarte-Davies said: “This merger creates a truly joined-up classroom-to-career pathway for young people across the UK – from that first spark of curiosity, to exploring opportunities, building skills, making industry connections and progressing into sustainable careers."

Clare Annamalai, chief executive of Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, added: "The team members at Get Into Theatre have built an invaluable resource for young people, teachers and the theatre industry. The work they do to demystify theatre careers is the perfect precursor to a visit to the TheatreCraft careers fair and perhaps, eventually, involvement in the Masterclass creative community.

"By combining our complementary capabilities, resources and geographical reach, we can offer a coherent pathway to young theatremakers, as well as a compelling service to our industry partners.

"Through this merger we will become stronger and more effective, without sacrificing the rich history and personal connections that make Masterclass so special.”