New Vic appoints three associate artists

Published: 1 October 2021
Reporter: Steve Orme

Will Jackson of Quick Duck Theatre, writer and performer of the play Yours Sincerely Credit: Elafris Photography

Khaos Theatre, Quick Duck and playwright James Morton have become associate artists at the New Vic, the Newcastle-under-Lyme theatre-in-the-round.

Led by associate director Vicki Amedume, the New Vic's artist development programme hopes to help build a richer and more dynamic arts sector by supporting independent companies and creatives, helping them to develop their ideas and practice.

Amedume said, "we were bowled over by the response to our call for associate companies. The high level of interest revealed to us the deep need in the arts sector to do better in supporting independent artists more. We’re excited to be joined by these brilliant creatives for the next year and to support them in their work.”

Khaos Theatre “explores contemporary stories in daring ways”. Director James Scotland takes his inspiration from the practices of repertory theatre and likes to explore the way classical and modern performance can intersect.

Birmingham-based company Quick Duck Theatre “makes queer shows with a lot of heart and a killer soundtrack” and won best ensemble at the National Student Drama Festival in 2019.

New Vic Youth Theatre alumnus and playwright James Morton was born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent. He writes plays that “focus on the intimate, tender details of ordinary lives and tackle themes such as masculinity and grief”.

New Vic artistic director Theresa Heskins commented, "supporting independent companies and artists has been transformative for us as an organisation. We hope that sharing the wonderful resource that is the New Vic will make a difference to them but it's worth saying that it's an equally special thing for the New Vic: it brings new energies into the building, keeps us fresh and contemporary, and connects us with our industry and with developing practices.”

The New Vic is also starting the Kiln Network for performing arts professionals at any stage of their career in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. The network will provide essential networking and professional development opportunities for its members such as workshops, talks, support from industry professionals and chances to see rehearsals or productions at the New Vic.

More details about the Kiln Network are available at the New Vic web site.

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