In line with Stage Sight’s goals, Warwick Arts Centre, the Belgrade Theatre and a number of Coventry partners are teaming up to create Backstage Youth, a series of workshops, courses and opportunities that form a clear alternative pipeline into technical theatre in Coventry and the Midlands.

This summer, we are introducing weekly drop-in sessions for technical theatre, taking place at the Shopfront Theatre, Coventry, and in collaboration with Media Mania. These are introductory workshops in lighting, sound, stage management, wardrobe and other roles, to incite interest and have a hands-on learning opportunity. Those expressing a commitment to technical theatre will have more in-depth sessions (with the introductory sessions continuing to run alongside them), leading to a small number of fully funded places on an ABTT Bronze Award course. We hope to be able to offer opportunities of shadowing and work experience for those that haven’t taken the ABTT course, and assistance for applying to work or university for those who have. There are 2 committed apprentice positions at Warwick Arts Centre for the Backstage Youth scheme, and other venues will be made aware of the participants’ achievements to consider them for future opportunities.

With the aim of nurturing talent in the city ready for City of Culture 2021 and beyond, we want the pool to reflect the diversity of Coventry and promote off-stage roles to young people.

Initiative by: Warwick Arts Centre

Initiative by: Belgrade Theatre