5, 6, 7…Ardent8

Sometimes, it can feel as though companies are not widening the net as much as they should across the country, with opportunities for drama students remaining greater for London-based creatives. However, thanks to an initiative from Ardent Theatre, it seems eight might be the new lucky number for some seeking a route into the industry.

‘Often, the most talented of actors will have given up before they've even realised their full potential because they are unable to access other cities that provide greater employment and development opportunities,’ say Andrew Muir and Mark Sands, joint creative directors of Ardent.

‘The Ardent8 project aims to support emerging young actors from outside London who face barriers to pursuing their careers. The aim is to give them a taste of life as an actor in London; to access opportunities within the industry they have otherwise found inaccessible, but which Ardent Theatre Company believe is no more than an equal opportunity.’

Connections

Encompassing ten workshops, a professionally paid performance, and a week in a London studio theatre, Ardent8 helps introduce those involved with others currently working in the industry such as directors, agents and key technical crew.

‘From the outset, we are open and honest about how hard the industry is and the programme offers no guarantee they will go on to find jobs. Our aim all along is just to provide an equal opportunity, and experience of being an actor in London with the financial obstacles – travel, food, accommodation – and the geographical distance removed for them,’ say Muir and Sands.

Opening doors

With a keen focus on technical roles too, Ardent8 offers a range of opportunities in a range of roles – something 23-year-old stage manager Chloe Brown was very keen to take advantage of. ‘Ardent has been incredible. With constant opportunities and regular work, it's given me a huge step forward in launching my career in the arts’, says Brown. ‘We recently just had a week-long run at The Union Theatre in London and a small tour heading to Leicester and Manchester. We get to experience what that feels like, and that for me is the biggest highlight!’

‘Coming from Dorset there aren't many, if any, opportunities for work in the arts, especially for graduates. Ardent has helped take me and seven others into a whole new world that we might never have got the opportunity to experience. Thanks to them I've now got a lot more experience and knowledge under my belt. I'm able to take that away and apply it to so many more paths in the industry.’

© Mark Douet
Rehearsals for Rethink

This is something fellow Dorset-based actor Georgina Pacifico agrees with, as one of the current Ardent8 crew. ‘I've found it helpful to be put into a professional working environment; to have someone believe in your ability as an actor. Not only have I made it out of Dorset and am now working in London but through Ardent's workshops, the show and the support, I have managed to secure an agent. Without Ardent I would have not had these amazing opportunities,’ said Pacifico.

Widening the reach

With Ardent expanding the net for their next round of recruitment, hopefuls from Leicester and Manchester will have the opportunity to apply for the opportunity, alongside those from Bournemouth and Poole College where creative director Muir guest lectures.

‘The challenge in expanding the project to also include Manchester Metropolitan University and De Montfort University in Leicester is we will have very little prior knowledge of the students, or them of each other, which makes it an exciting dynamic,’ Muir says. ‘Expanding also gives an opportunity to build regional connections, and to create links between different groups of early career artists who share similar experiences of facing barriers to getting their foot in the door.’

‘At the moment, our current Ardent8 group are on a mini-tour of the show Rethink – a production they performed last October at the Union Theatre. They recently played the Lighthouse in Poole to a sold-out audience and a standing ovation, and next they travel to Leicester and Manchester to perform to current third year students and conduct a Q&A.’

Advice for students

For students thinking of applying, what advice would Brown and Pacifico pass on to make sure they get the most from such an exciting opportunity? ‘Say yes to everything, be willing, be open and get out of your comfort zone,’ Brown says. ‘Take every opportunity and use the time wisely,’ Pacifico adds, clearly echoing Brown's enthusiasm for her time with Ardent8. For those hungry to break into the business, Georgina has some tasty final advice: ‘eat up every second.’

To find out more about Ardent Theatre and the Ardent8 project, including how to apply head to www.ardenttheatre.co.uk/ardent