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Theatre turns spotlight on the stars backstage
THE backstage stars of the future could be discovered at Hampstead Theatre.
The theatre will be putting the spotlight on 75 young people and giving them first-hand experience as technicians, box office staff and members of the marketing team.
They will be tackling games and challenges that give them a taste of life as an off-stage theatre employee.
Eric Dupin, creative learning director of the theatre, said: “It’s about inspiring young people to go on and find further opportunities.
“The main thing we are hoping to do is make it engaging and enjoyable as an introduction to careers in theatre.”
The event today (Thursday) is part of Open Doors, a national campaign to get more youngsters interested in off-stage theatre jobs.
Mr Dupin believes that while most people think of a career in the industry as being either an actor or director, less glamorous roles are just as important when it comes to delivering great performances.
He said: “There are lots of really exciting jobs that people might not even have been aware of.”
Schools taking part include Westminster Kingsway College and Park View Academy in Haringey.
As well as getting hands-on experience, students will hear from the current technicians and crew about the work they do.
Mr Dupin said that the day would offer young people who had never been inside a theatre a unique introduction to the industry.
He said: “We are hoping at least some of them might not have seen much theatre before.”
The Hampstead Theatre, which was established to produce work by up-and-coming playwrights, also has a youth group called the Heat & Light Company.
They will be hoping to gain some new backstage recruits as a result of today’s event. |
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