The Grand Opera House York has joined an initiative that addresses the need for wider diversity in the live entertainment industry.
It comes from Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) partnering with independent charity Get Into Theatre to create Work In Theatre – a nationwide careers programme that will improve access to theatre career pathways for underprivileged and underrepresented young people and emerging artists.
In-person activity will take place across 15 ATG venues nationwide, with digital activity hosted on the Get Into Theatre – and will reach more 30,000 young people, teachers and freelance artists across the UK.
The year-long project will be delivered through three strands: Work Experience, Teacher Conference and Emerging Artist Commissions.
It aims to inspire, educate and spotlight the breadth of on and offstage careers available within the theatre industry and will be brought to those that may not have thought theatre was a space for them; improving equal access for young people from lower socio-economic, d/Deaf or disabled and Black, Asian and ethnic backgrounds.
Get Into Theatre director Alex Duarte-Davies said: “Get Into Theatre exists for those young people who want to build their road map, or at least take a peek at what could be possible – from their homes and school classroom. However, getting through those physical doors can often be a daunting challenge.
“This collaboration with ATG will see those doors opened wide and ensure that young people from all backgrounds are given the same opportunities to ‘get into theatre’.
“It is a step in breaking down those barriers between education and industry, to ensure that the future of the sector is both representational and accessible.”
ATG’s Creative Learning programme champions arts education in schools, and the Work in Theatre initiative will play a pivotal role in doing so.
The project will run until April 2024.
It is funded by Arts Council England, with support of public funding by the National Lottery.
For more information, visit the Get Into Theatre website.