Leicester's Curve has started a three-week fundraising appeal to support the development of young theatre technicians as part of the Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre.
Money raised until Friday 26 November will fund an annual 18-month technician apprenticeship as well as ongoing support and development opportunities at the theatre for budding technicians from backgrounds under-represented in the theatre industry.
Curve, in partnership with Derby Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse, established the Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre after the death of Curve's head of production Andy Nairn in November 2020. He was passionate about nurturing the next generation of technicians and believed every young person should have access to the best training opportunities.
The apprenticeship will provide training in all aspects of stage craft including scenery and equipment, automated flying, lighting, sound and video.
Curve's chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said, “Andy wasn't only an exceptionally talented and respected technician and production manager, he was an incredible leader and mentor for those starting out in technical theatre.
“He was deeply passionate about training the technicians of tomorrow and encouraging people from all backgrounds to embark on a career in the arts. We’re asking people to give what they can to support this initiative and help provide training opportunities for young people in Andy's name."