Teenagers are taking part in an innovative project sponsored by Bath lawyers Mogers to stage an event from scratch at the city’s Theatre Royal.
They are the second group to become junior apprentices in the pioneering initiative which gives them an insight into the range of careers available at a major arts organisation.
This week, the second of the two-week long scheme, they have taken over the Theatre Royal’s egg theatre and become responsible for every aspect of producing an event on Friday, including researching, booking and contracting professionals, creating a marketing strategy to publicise the one-off production, as well as liaising with the technical department.
Mogers managing partner Steven Treharne said: “The Theatre Royal’s initiative gives young people structured work activities and they will be working alongside industry professionals including ourselves on a real-life project.
“The project gives a real insight into all aspects of how a professional theatre operates and the career opportunities that exist beyond those acting on the stage.”
Acting Creative Learning Producer Lizzy Cummins added: “This scheme gives students a high-quality experience of how events are produced in a theatre setting. Working alongside professionals they are given ownership of a project, leaving them energised and excited about the possibilities ahead of them.”
Taking part are Maisie Whiting, 15, Dan Harborne, 15, George Brown, 15, Hannah Tully, 15, Katie Williams, 14 and Ella Mackintosh, 14 – all from Chippenham; Caroline Hickery, 15, Lydia Pike, 15 and Charlotte Jackson, 15, from Bristol; Ella Lindsay, 15, Bath; Maya Minter, 15, from Bradford on Avon; Chiara Walczyk, 17 from Germany; Melissa Oram, 15, from High Littleton; Nia Powell, 17, from Devizes; Alice Martin, 15, from Corsham; Charlotte Hill, 15, from Peasedown St John and Ellen Norris, 14 from Castle Cary.
Maisie said: “I got involved as I thought it was an amazing opportunity and I’m hoping the experience will build my confidence and help me interact with others who have the same interests as me.”
Melissa added: “I love drama and I wanted to find out what it would be like to work in a real theatre. I wanted my work experience week to be enjoyable as well as useful so the egg seemed the perfect choice.”
Pictured: The youngsters taking part in the scheme
