TheatreCraft, the hugely popular annual event offering young people the chance to learn more about careers available behind the scenes of the theatre industry, will return to London’s Royal Opera House for a second year on 22 November.
The free event for 16 to 25-year-olds offers the unique chance for budding theatrical fans to explore the many opportunities available to them to become involved in the industry in a non-performance capacity. From directing to stage management, lighting to movement, a huge range of careers are covered with experts on hand to offer advice and guidance.
Participants can take advantage of the packed schedule of up to 60 workshops run by theatre professionals, gain one-to-one advice in the Arts The Experts zone or explore the Marketplace where 46 exhibitors from training institutions, theatre companies, membership organisations and theatrical suppliers will be on hand with invaluable information.
For the first time in 2013, TheatreCraft attendees will also be given the opportunity to network with their peers in brand new networking hubs set up in the event’s home at the Royal Opera House.
Run by Creative & Cultural Skills, Masterclass at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Mousetrap Theatre Projects, the Royal Opera House and the not-for-profit organisation behind this website, Society of London Theatre, TheatreCraft is now in its eighth, successful year and last year saw more than 800 people attend the event with 58 industry professionals lending their support.
Holly Parker, who signed up for the event last year and is now working as an Arts Administrator, described TheatreCraft as having “really opened doors for me,” explaining: “Whether you have a definite arts career path you’d like to follow, are curious about the different directions you can take within theatre, or are after an insight into how the industry works, TheatreCraft can help. My one to one “Ask The Experts” session with an industry professional was invaluable, and without that, I doubt I’d be in the job I am today.”
The importance of the event is one shared by the multi-award-winning director Michael Grandage, who opened 2012’s fair and described the event as “extraordinary”. The former Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse told Official London Theatre: “The great thing about today is this is not just for people who want to be an actor or want to be on the stage for people to see, this is something that hopefully gives people an idea and an opening into all the jobs that there are in the theatre and around the theatre, all of whom are essential to make the theatre in London what it is.”
A vital stepping stone for anyone aged 16 to 25-years-old considering a career off the stage in the industry, TheatreCraft is now open for booking. Places are available to book at www.theatrecraft.org, where you’ll also find more information and a helpful video archive from previous events.