The Royal Court Theatre’s Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone will open this year’s TheatreCraft, the annual theatre careers event that offers young people the chance to explore the many opportunities to work in behind the scenes roles.
The free event for 16 to 25-year-olds will take place on 17 October at the Royal Opera House and offer an invaluable insight into the many non-performance careers on offer in the industry from directing to lighting design.
Featherstone, whose esteemed career has seen her move from an assistant director to her current role leading one of London’s most acclaimed venues, will open this year’s event with a welcome speech at 09:00.
Speaking about why she was inspired to follow in the footsteps of previous TheatreCraft ambassadors including Jamie Lloyd and Michael Grandage to lend her expertise to the unique event, the director commented: “When I first dreamt about working in theatre all I really knew about were the actors. The wealth of talent, passion and commitment that goes into creating a whole piece of theatre is extraordinary. There is opportunity for such a diverse and wide ranging group of people coming together to make it happen.
“TheatreCraft is an incredibly important resource to equip our next generation with the skills, opportunities and inspiration to forge a career in theatre. Most importantly it is completely free, enabling the sector to encourage young people from all walks of life, with all sorts of experience to join our industry. It is vital to our future, our relevance and to achieve our potential that TheatreCraft exists. I am honoured to be part of that quest and that possibility.”
This year’s event will once again feature a packed schedule of up to 60 workshops led by industry professionals, alongside an Ask The Expert zone that will enable participants to seek one-to-one advice from theatre experts. The event also offers young people the chance to network and explore exhibits from leading companies within the industry.
Caro Newling, President of the Society of London Theatre, which, along with companies including Creative & Cultural Skills, Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, Mousetrap Theatre Projects and the Royal Opera House, stage TheatreCraft, echoed Featherstone’s sentiments, saying: “Since it began in 2003, TheatreCraft has grown to become an indispensable source of support, inspiration and guidance to thousands of young people interested in working in theatre. This unique, open-door event provides free access to invaluable information, insight and networking opportunities that will equip the next generation of theatre makers.”
To find out more or book your free place to attend, visit www.theatrecraft.org