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Want a Career Backstage? Maybe TheatreCraft Can Lend a Hand...
If you’re passionate about theatre and you’re looking to pursue a career doing something you love then there’s a wide variety of different options available to you, it doesn’t all have to be a song and dance! If being in the spotlight isn’t your thing then you might consider producing, directing, casting, make-up, costume, set-design, marketing, PR… you get the idea. Behind the scenes of the London theatre industry are hundreds of dedicated professionals supporting it at its foundations, holding it together and keeping the whole thing ticking over smoothly so that the audiences who visit from all corners of the globe can have the very best experience. London is often described as the theatre capital of the world, and that’s thanks in no small part to the multi-talented individuals who work day in, day out to not only uphold that reputation, but to go above and beyond expectations and ensure that fresh, top-class theatre dominates the industry in the UK.
Getting a foot in the door in a competitive field like theatre is no easy feat, as a young person at the start of a career path into this sector the task can seem daunting to put it lightly. That’s where TheatreCraft comes in. TheatreCraft is a place for 16-25 year-olds interested in non-performance jobs in theatre. It’s a chance to meet industry leaders, discover the kinds of entry level and educational opportunities available, and learn about a variety of roles from directing to PR and everything in between. Whether you want to take the route of higher education, internships, or specialist workshops to enhance your knowledge, TheatreCraft provides a way in.
TheatreCraft 2016 was held on 14th November at the Waldorf Hotel, with some events taking place at the nearby Novello Theatre, Aldwych Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, and Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Visitors were invited to pick from a large assortment of different workshops focused on a number of different areas: from costume and casting, production and PR, to marketing and make-up, there was something to suit everyone. Between workshops guests were encouraged to peruse the TheatreCraft marketplace where over 50 exhibitors, all heavy weights in UK theatres or theatre education, were standing by to offer advice, support, and incredible opportunities. As well as this there was an Ask the Experts zone available throughout the day where visitors could have a one-to-one chat and get the chance to ask all of those burning questions about their preferred area of interest.
What struck me the moment I walked into TheatreCraft was the extraordinary atmosphere. I’ve been to plenty of similar careers and education functions in my time and not one of them has come close to being so well organised, productive, and most importantly welcoming. From the point of registration right up to when I left five hours later I felt a great sense of camaraderie, like every representative I encountered wanted to help and support me in whatever way they could. The event was alive and buzzing with passion, we were all there for the same reason – because all of us, in some form, love theatre.
This was a place to network with some of the most high-profile and influential people in the industry whilst simultaneously learning invaluable information about the inner workings of the arts. Mailing lists were joined, business cards and CVs exchanged hands, and a whole lot of theatre swag was given away (I, myself, now have a dozen new pens, three tote bags, and a USB stick I didn’t own yesterday). Folks came from far and wide for the chance to be a part of this unique event – there was even one attendee who came all the way from California!
If you have any interest in working in theatre I implore you to go to the TheatreCraft website and check it out. When booking opens for next year I recommend signing up and I promise that you absolutely will not regret it. Thank you TheatreCraft and everyone who participated for an exciting and insightful peek behind this sensational industry’s curtain.
Getting a foot in the door in a competitive field like theatre is no easy feat, as a young person at the start of a career path into this sector the task can seem daunting to put it lightly. That’s where TheatreCraft comes in. TheatreCraft is a place for 16-25 year-olds interested in non-performance jobs in theatre. It’s a chance to meet industry leaders, discover the kinds of entry level and educational opportunities available, and learn about a variety of roles from directing to PR and everything in between. Whether you want to take the route of higher education, internships, or specialist workshops to enhance your knowledge, TheatreCraft provides a way in.
TheatreCraft 2016 was held on 14th November at the Waldorf Hotel, with some events taking place at the nearby Novello Theatre, Aldwych Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, and Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Visitors were invited to pick from a large assortment of different workshops focused on a number of different areas: from costume and casting, production and PR, to marketing and make-up, there was something to suit everyone. Between workshops guests were encouraged to peruse the TheatreCraft marketplace where over 50 exhibitors, all heavy weights in UK theatres or theatre education, were standing by to offer advice, support, and incredible opportunities. As well as this there was an Ask the Experts zone available throughout the day where visitors could have a one-to-one chat and get the chance to ask all of those burning questions about their preferred area of interest.
What struck me the moment I walked into TheatreCraft was the extraordinary atmosphere. I’ve been to plenty of similar careers and education functions in my time and not one of them has come close to being so well organised, productive, and most importantly welcoming. From the point of registration right up to when I left five hours later I felt a great sense of camaraderie, like every representative I encountered wanted to help and support me in whatever way they could. The event was alive and buzzing with passion, we were all there for the same reason – because all of us, in some form, love theatre.
This was a place to network with some of the most high-profile and influential people in the industry whilst simultaneously learning invaluable information about the inner workings of the arts. Mailing lists were joined, business cards and CVs exchanged hands, and a whole lot of theatre swag was given away (I, myself, now have a dozen new pens, three tote bags, and a USB stick I didn’t own yesterday). Folks came from far and wide for the chance to be a part of this unique event – there was even one attendee who came all the way from California!
