As a budding young actor trying to break into the industry, a free year-long production project offered by the Almeida Theatre sounded like just the ticket for Rawaed Asde. ‘It was just so energetic, down to earth and everyone was clearly excited to be there,’ says Asde, 18, a member of the Almeida's 14-18 company. ‘It became more than just a show at the end. It was our way of showing people that there are plenty of talented and intelligent young people who can make a difference.’
Nurturing a gift
In a similar vein to the 18-25 company, this younger ensemble group meet weekly and develop acting, improvisation and devising techniques. Via the guidance and support of industry leading professionals, their hard work culminates in an end of year performance: this year saw the groups perform contemporary pieces The Wave by Molly Taylor and (This Isn't) A True Story by Nina Segal.
‘We want young people to form their own opinions about the theatre they are making,’ says Dani Parr, director of participation at Almeida Young Company, which invites applications from a variety of backgrounds. ‘Our schools programme helps us to identify young people who might benefit from being part of our 14-18s group. We also work closely with teachers and youth workers via our outreach programme in order to reach young people that might not audition without the extra support.’
A supportive environment
Nurturing individuality while experimenting and innovating, it's clear young companies like that at the Almeida play a crucial role in developing the professional and personal talents of members such as Asde. ‘We hope that the young people make friends, build their confidence and self-esteem, gain skills and work with exciting artists,’ adds Parr, ‘We think it's important that the groups have fun and become a support network for each other.’
While that support network might be invaluable in creating exciting and highly professional drama on stage, what happens when a student's time with the company comes to an end? Is there a way for them still to build upon the skills they have learnt?
‘There is an alumni group that continue to support each other, and we run monthly masterclasses for them so they can continue to build their skills…some of these are run by casting directors as well as professional actors and directors in the industry. Lots of members have found agents as a result of being in our Young Company.’
‘We also have a great network where teachers can learn from each other,’ says Parr, ‘We hope to be able to build on and support what students may be learning in an educational setting, while allowing them to glimpse the high production standards expected in a theatre like the Almeida.’
So, what do young people gain by being part of either ensemble group at the Almeida? ‘I learnt a lot about myself as a person and as an actor’, Anshula, 24, part of the 18-25 ensemble says. ‘I now feel confident enough to email agents and begin my acting career.’
For more information on the Almeida Young Company head to www.almeida.co.uk/young-company
© ALI WRIGHT The young company in rehearsal for The WaveNot in London? Not a Problem. From Burnley to Brighton there are many active youth theatre schemes young people can get involved in. Here's our pick of some of the best.
Manchester – The Royal Exchange Theatre runs a Young Company for anyone aged 14-21 covering acting, technical skills and writing scripts.
Birmingham – The Repertory Theatre's ‘Young Rep’ programme offers weekly sessions and summer schools for those aged 7–25.
Norwich – The Theatre Royal has all kinds of youth theatre programmes including an Actor's Lab and Musical Theatre groups.
Edinburgh – The Lyceum provides a range of classes and courses for anyone aged 5–18 with professional theatre artists.
Liverpool – The Everyman Playhouse's Youth Arts Programme covers six strands of theatre including acting, technical and producing for young people aged 14–25.
Plymouth – The Theatre Royal's Young Company provides opportunities for anyone aged 5–25 culminating in two productions at the end of each year.
Cardiff – The Sherman Youth Theatre uses playful discovery to produce termly presentations.