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As we begin to look forward as an industry I thought it might be useful to raise awareness of some of the fantastic initiatives I've been a part of, whether as a facilitator, participant, lead practitioner or supporter.
1. RTYDS ( @RTYDS)- Introduction to directing.
A brilliant initiative that gives any director the foundation to build their careers. I participated, lead and now support this initiative: http://www.rtyds.co.uk/introduction-to-directing/
A brilliant initiative that gives any director the foundation to build their careers. I participated, lead and now support this initiative: http://www.rtyds.co.uk/introduction-to-directing/
2. Talawa ( @TalawaTheatreCo) TYPT - when I was a younger I really wanted to be a part of this, I didn't audition but wished I had. An intro programme for Black theatre-makers 18-25 I've seen some of the best theatre-makers come out of this programme: http://www.talawa.com/articles/draft-typt
3. Foundry ( @BirminghamRep) a programme that supports emerging West Mids theatre makers, an attachment to a building and support to realise an idea. Hopefully this will come back bigger and better, some of my Favourite people came through this programme: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/get-involved/creative-development/rep-foundry.html
4. Write to play ( @graeae) Graeae’s writing programme, developing the skills and experience of D/deaf and disabled writers across the country:
https://graeae.org/new-writing/write-to-play/ worked with and Directed some of the W.M cohorts work.
https://graeae.org/new-writing/write-to-play/ worked with and Directed some of the W.M cohorts work.
5. Lightpost ( @Lightpost_rep) @PhilipJonMorris came up to the 3rd floor and said "Bro L&P are working with Mind charity to engage young black men at risk of ill mental wellbeing and those already struggling with their mental wellbeing... we need to go out and engage... pt1 of 2
Pt2 of 2
And we did, visited different orgs, put the word out. Had loads of email convos, Philip brought together a group of young Black men - he kept it going with help of @keirenjamos and then passed on the baton: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/news/light-post-theatre-company-is-looking-for-members.html
And we did, visited different orgs, put the word out. Had loads of email convos, Philip brought together a group of young Black men - he kept it going with help of @keirenjamos and then passed on the baton: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/news/light-post-theatre-company-is-looking-for-members.html
6. Talawa Firsts ( @TalawaTheatreCo) another feature for Talawa, this programme brought some of the best Black British Emerging Talent together to share early versions of their work. That work transformed the landscape: http://www.talawa.com/articles/talawa-firsts-page I met and worked with phenomenal peps
7. Headlong Origins ( @HeadlongTheatre) A great initiative for early career directors out of London - with a £5k bursary and support from the headlong team: https://headlong.co.uk/opportunities/headlong-origins-directors-scheme/ apps will open soon!
8. RTYDS ( @RTYDS)18month residency, this deserves a special mention as the programme that allowed me to understand my role as a director is far bigger than directing plays. I spent 5yrs @BirminghamRep & I grew away from LDN which gave me more perspective: http://www.rtyds.co.uk/18-month-theatre-director-residency/
9. Emerging Writers Group ( @bushtheatre) We work with early career writers/theatre makers to develop their ideas and encourage our artists to write full length projects. Our current and previous cohorts have been SO DOPE: https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/artists/emerging-writers-group/
NT: New Work Department - Resident Director ( @NationalTheatre) This was once a bursary, the residency is for 6mths, you get to cast all the new projects & observe or assist some of the very best theatre makers from around the world.. endless opportunities: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/file/new-work-department-resident-director
Most of these initiatives need financial support to keep going, so please check out their website and see how you can contribute. If you have any questions about these programmes DM me... #SaveTheArts @OliverDowden
