Emerging theatre artists in the West Midlands have been given a boost with the news that Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s REP Foundry artist development programme will continue until 2016.
The Leverhulme Trust has awarded the REP an arts scholarship of £136,950 over three years towards the initiative.
Created under the REP’s new artistic director, Roxana Silbert, in January, REP Foundry aims to “discover and promote the West Midlands’ most promising burgeoning talent”, with a group of 18 writers, directors and theatre makers receiving mentoring and professional support from staff at the REP and leading theatre practitioners.
As well as master classes with theatre professionals, REP Foundry artists have the opportunity to present work in progress in front of an audience at monthly performance nights.
Jean Cater of the Leverhulme Trust said, “At a time when funding for the arts is generally being reduced throughout the UK, these scholarships will make a valuable contribution to the development of the next generation of creative talent.”
Roxana Silbert said the award would make a significant difference to REP Foundry.
“The Leverhulme Trust’s grant will make an invaluable contribution towards nurturing and developing the West Midlands’ next generation of theatre makers.”
REP Foundry nights will take place on the last Thursday of the month at The Edge, Cheapside, Digbeth until July and then at the newly re-opened Birmingham REP in October and November. Tickets cost £5.
For further information call 0121 236 4455 or visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/repfoundry.
Applications for the 2014 REP Foundry scheme will open in the autumn.