A one-week course has been launched to give emerging and entry-level theatre personnel from under-represented groups the chance to experience working in-the-round.
The residential, called Kiln Sparks, will be held at the New Vic Theatre as part of its Kiln Network development programme and offer introductions into sound, lighting, rigging, programming operating and working with stage management.
Eight people will be selected to take part from Monday 26 June to Friday 1 July.
The project aims to expand the industry’s knowledge base about making theatre in-the-round and diversify the pool of Global Majority backstage talent by providing the opportunity to work in a midscale, producing theatre.
New Vic Associate Director Vicki Dela Amedume MBE will lead the course and be joined by resident creative and technical staff and representatives from theatre companies New Earth Theatre and tiata fahodzi.
Vicki, an established cultural leader, circus consultant and choreographer, said: “The New Vic creates work for people of all backgrounds and we want access to the theatre industry to be available to everyone – including those working within it.
“We’re excited to be working in collaboration with our partners New Earth Theatre and tiata fahodzi to ensure we reach a diverse pool of applicants and are looking forward to supporting people to realise their ambition of working in theatre.”
Chinonyerem Odimba, Artistic Director and CEO of tiata fahodzi added: “The need for this kind of hands-on backstage residency is without question as our industry still tries to tackle the lack of real support for Global Majority creatives; and we’re excited to be able to help to create a programme that helps with that.”
The course is designed for entry-level sound and lighting technicians; company stage managers wishing to expand their knowledge of technical processes; emerging production managers who would like to expand their technical knowledge and emerging sound and lighting designers who have not yet worked in-the-round.
After the course, the New Vic will fund a paid three-month placement for two trainees to further their experience.
A bursary of £450 will be paid to successful applicants and help with other expenses is available.
Applications are open now until Tuesday, 2 May.
To apply, visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.
