Future theatre-makers came together at the Royal Opera House earlier in November as part of the huge theatrical careers fair TheatreCraft. Over 1,000 passionate 16 to 25 year olds attended the free event to learn more about theatrical careers beyond the stage in a rich experience from those who have already worked in these areas. Some even boarded buses in Leeds at 3am in order to attend the event!
Jamie Lloyd opened the event, a young director whose work as part of the Trafalgar Transformed season has been acclaimed in the West End recently, and can be seen at the St James theatre next year. Lloyd spoke about it being OK to not to have an idea of what exactly you want to do in theatre or why, because it is your passion and drive to be part of the industry which is the most important thing. TheatreCraft, therefore, gives young people the chance to explore theatrical passions as part of an important and successful event. Breaking into work in the theatre can be challenging an isolating, ad not just for the performers on stage. TheatreCraft enables driven young people to stand face to face with potential employers and provide the chance for a much better angle to portray passions for the arts.
The annual event of TheatreCraft, which is now in its eighth year, offered more than 70 workshops, more than 50 exhibitors and an ask the experts zone for one-to-one advice sessions. Staged by the Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, Royal Opera House, Mousetrap Theatre Projects, Society of London Theatre and Creative & Cultural Skills, it covered areas from producing to designing, theatre journalism to wig-making, and boasted contributors including producer Kim Poster, journalism Lyn Gardner and playwright Vickie Donoghue.
Here’s to 2014!