Struggling with a script, a writer strikes up a conversation with an actor and they end up collaborating. During a stage management workshop, an A Level Drama student sees their skill for overseeing projects and passion for theatre reflected in the remit. On the exhibition floor a young costume designer discovers a work experience scheme at her favourite theatre. These are the sorts of revelations that take place at TheatreCraft, where young people aged between 16–30 are given the opportunity to learn more about backstage careers via talks and workshops.
‘[At TheatreCraft] people are super friendly and all about pointing you in the right direction.’ Says Kim O'Neil, 24, who I chat to on the exhibition floor, she has recently graduated from a degree in Fine Arts and is looking to make the switch to props designer. ‘It's nice to finally see that the world of prop making isn't so unattainable. I have a couple of lists of places and people I can go and talk to as well as courses. Now I know exactly what to do and who to send emails to.’
The exhibition floor is a crucial component of the day, where companies, conservatoires and youth theatre groups have set up their wares and are chatting excitedly to budding theatre technicians and designers from all over the country, whose arms are full of flyers and leaflets detailing a range of possible futures, postgraduate degrees, apprenticeships, awards and bursaries. It's a crucial moment for many of the young creatives who have come along today, finally opening up a door into the world of their dream career. But in many ways, it's a networking opportunity that is just as vital for the organisations as it is for a hungry and determined young talent.
‘The main reason we're here is to meet the next generation of artists to work in our future shows.’ Says Oran Doyle, head of education and outreach for theatre company, Les Enfantes Terribles. ‘We're always looking to find people who are talented and enthusiastic, and this is the perfect opportunity.’
While the exhibition floor provides crucial networking opportunities and invaluable advice, the workshops and talks on ofier throughout the day give delegates a taste of the day to day of the various backstage roles within the theatre, allowing them to see which skills are essential in that particular line off work.
© JAMES BOYER SMITH
Matthew Xia leads The Journey of the Director workshop
On the writing side, the Script to Stage workshop sees freelance writer, Gbolahan Obisesan take a group of budding playwrights through the essentials of writing, from understanding the difierence between styles to essential aspects of drama, encouraging writers to nail the basics in order to develop a unique style. In turn, they are encouraged to share their current writing struggles and discuss how to help one another move forward towards personal goals.
Punchdrunk are on hand to demonstrate the combination of problem-solving skills and creative thinking that help a production manager to oversee efiectively the practical sides of staging a performance. Delegates are asked to get into groups and work out how they would deal with certain obstacles such as a large audience in a small space, or if there is a hospital or care home near the performance venue, how they would plan to limit noise. It is clearly a job that warrants a calm aura and a logical mind.
When it comes to costume, the Careers in Costume with the Royal Opera House workshop outlines the attention to detail and creativity that is required to thrive in the costume department of a theatre, whether having to adapt delicate costumes that are over fifty years old or ensuring that one costume can fit performers of various sizes. The costume department team also provide advice for job, apprenticeship and degree applications in the form of their own portfolio, detailing to budding designers which pieces to showcase and how any experience is worthwhile.
Combining the practical demonstrations and helpful tips of the workshops with the networking and advice of the exhibition floor, TheatreCraft provides invaluable information and insider knowledge, demonstrating to budding young creatives not only how to get started but how to succeed.
To find out more, visit: https://www.theatrecraft.org/