Birmingham Hippodrome has announced a new, free pilot programme especially for young people which will shape the future of the theatre’s work.
The Young Advocates programme will run initially until March 2021 and is open to anyone aged between 14 and 22 from Birmingham and the West Midlands who “have an interest in the arts and a passion to make change”.
The final group will be involved in a range of workshops and will have the opportunity to work with Hippodrome associate companies, artists and staff. At the end of the pilot programme, the Young Advocates will be asked to share their vision for Birmingham Hippodrome's future with the organisation’s senior team and trustees. The Young Advocates will also get to present their response at the TedXYouth@Brum digital conference in March.
The successful applicants will also receive training, mentoring and access to a range of different areas within the arts industry.
Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, the Hippodrome’s head of learning and participation, commented, "the Young Advocates programme will offer young people a platform to have their voices heard and opinions valued. This programme will help to ensure young people see a career in the arts industry as a viable option, which in turn will drive change for Birmingham Hippodrome and young people in the West Midlands.
"This programme is part of our mission to ensure that our offer is inclusive and accessible while supporting and developing diverse and talented young people as part of our future workforce."
Weekly sessions will run on Wednesday evenings. There will also be some weekend sessions. An open online information session will take place on Wednesday 13 January at 6PM. The deadline for applications is Sunday 17 January at 8PM. Applicants will then be invited to attend a workshop session on Wednesday 20 January, with the final group members selected on Thursday 21 January.