Curve Theatre launches appeal to fund training for young technicians

Leicester-based Curve Theatre has launched a fundraising appeal to support the training of young theatre technicians as part of the Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre. 

The funds raised will fund an annual 18-month Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship delivered in-house at Curve, as well as supporting opportunities at the theatre for young technicians from underrepresented backgrounds.

The apprenticeship will train recipients in all technical elements of theatre, including scenery and equipment, lighting, sound, video, automated flying, and more. 

The Andy Nairn Bursaries were created in partnership with Derby Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse following the death of Curve’s head of production, Andy Nairn, who died on 26 November 2020.

Speaking about the appeal, Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said: ‘The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre are named in honour of Andy Nairn, our much-missed head of production, who passed away last November aged just 34 years old.

‘Andy wasn’t only an exceptionally talented and respected technician and production manager, but he was an incredible leader and mentor for those starting out in technical theatre.

'He was deeply passionate about training the technicians of tomorrow, encouraging people from all backgrounds to embark on a career in the arts. Throughout November, we are asking people to give what they can to support this initiative and help provide training opportunities for young people in Andy’s name.’

To find out more, or to donate, visit www.curveonline.co.uk/join-and-support-us/the-andy-nairn-bursaries-in-technical-theatre