LIGHTS UP #2

 

The abundance of performing arts talent and our creative industries here in the North West of Ireland are being held back because it’s difficult to get the professional training and experience needed to succeed. 

In Derry-Londonderry 54.7% of children and young people live in an area of deprivation making it doubly challenging especially as we know that 35% of Bafta-nominated actors in the UK are alumni of private schools, even though only 7% of people educated in the UK attend private fee-paying schools.

We know that the talent is there - it just needs a chance. We recently interviewed Abby Hagan, one of our first Next Stage Artists to hear her story:

There's a lot of valuable work being done to provide a range of professional training in Ireland and the UK but in the North West of Ireland this often doesn't include the experience in the industry needed for artists to develop or is more academically led. With us they can grow their interest into a career through learning by doing in a working theatre. This reaches many more people from different backgrounds and abilities and helps get over the challenging class issue that the performing arts currently faces. If you want to be on stage its important you build your confidence through trying, failing and trying again and by working alongside those that have already learned the craft. At The Playhouse we provide the space, the expertise and the opportunity for that to happen.

Through our commitment to establishing a sustainable and open progression pathway we are establishing the Next Stage Programme. Next Stage is our transformative 12-month professional development programme designed for anyone ready to advance their creative career. Whether you're a university graduate taking your first professional leap, an experienced performer exploring technical theatre, or someone pivoting to new creative opportunities – this programme is specifically designed to bridge aspiration with real opportunity in the creative industries.

The programme breaks new ground by recognising that creative career paths are rarely linear and that talent development requires personalised, sustained support rather than one-size-fits-all training. Most importantly, we provide paid training opportunities that recognise participants' financial realities while delivering world-class professional development.

25 years on from the peace process we still have work to do in Northern Ireland to create the diverse, fair and prosperous society people deserve. The absence of conflict is no longer enough and people want to live in places that are cohesive, cultural and caring. We want to get on with each other and with our lives in our localities.

We have already raised over £125,000 over the next 2 years and are opening out the opportunity for people to become founding donors, helping to support artists.

To find out more please click here and sign up for updates and opportunities to support The Playhouse on its journey.