A scheme to open up theatre-making to children aged between 8 and 18 is to be set up at Derby Theatre, Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright has announced.
The programme will target children from areas with high levels of poverty. The idea is to help young people find routes into creative careers.
Weekly workshops will be part of a year-long project working towards a “high-quality” production of new commissions. Young producers will be on steering groups and will have the chance to shadow industry professionals.
Those taking part will get the opportunity to learn practical skills both on and off stage and to work with playwrights to develop new works that students will perform. They will also be able to design sets, learn about lighting and sound and take part in dance and drama.
Caroline Barth, creative learning director at Derby Theatre, said, “this is an extraordinary opportunity for us to build on our strong community relationships, bringing children and young people the very best in performance making.
“Our ambition is to empower children and young people from all walks of life to thrive. We’ll also support them to experience and help shape the widest possible variety of culture in their communities, reimagining everyday spaces and authoring the story of their lives in innovative and extraordinary performances. We’ll work with them to develop their skills, improving life chances and fulfilling their dreams.”