Two major Blackpool venues have launched separate schemes aimed at recruiting young people to a possible future in theatre.
Winter Gardens Blackpool has launched a partnership with a local performing arts teacher, Katie Edgar, to harness community talent and create opportunities across a range of production and performance disciplines.
The mission is to make arts accessible to everyone in Blackpool.
Encore Productions aims to go beyond just performances.
From music production to technical theatre, DJ’ing to special FX makeup, the initiative will offer workshops, training, and masterclasses.
Anthony Williams, head of marketing at Winter Gardens Blackpool said: “the heritage and quality we provide through our touring shows and artists, make us well-placed to support this exciting initiative.”
The project has received Arts Council funding to support the delivery of workshops and masterclasses.
Meanwhile, Blackpool Grand Theatre is to relaunch the Grand Young Company to provide training and artistic development of young people with an interest in working towards future creative careers in theatre-making, performance and beyond.
The Young Company dates back to 1996 and has staged numerous productions including Kes and The Demon Headmaster.
In 2015 the company became part of the National Theatre Connections Programme and performed at Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre, Salford’s Lowry and York Theatre Royal, additionally working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, ZooNation and James Wilton Dance.
During the pandemic the company created a ‘digital’ new work, Hope in Isolation that explored mental health and well-being during the exam process and school life.
The new class of 2023–2024 will have the opportunity to take part in creative and practical sessions, delivered by artists and theatre companies from across the UK. The group will also perform a new play as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival.
The Grand Young Company will be led by a former member, Mykey Young, recently appointed creative programmes producer.