Deadline Looms to Apply for Lyric's Theatre Programme
Two years free training available to next generation of performers
Last year's Springboard trainees
The Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith runs a ground-breaking theatre training programme for young performers and the opportunity to join for next year ends soon.
Applications to become a 2023 – 2024 Springboard trainee are open now and close at 10am on Friday 11 November.
Successful applicants will be enrolled in the free two-year programme, benefiting from a bursary that will support them while they take part in a wide range of development initiatives including performances, workshops, masterclasses, artist development and opportunities both on and off the stage.
The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is encouraging applicants to apply who are from the Global Majority (people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage), not in education or training, who are non-binary, LGBTQIA+, who are d/Deaf or disabled. Applicants must be aged 18-25 from the programme start date (10 January 2023), have little or no formal drama training, and live in one of the eligible West London boroughs - Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Westminster.
The deadline for applications is Friday 11 November 2022. Group auditions will take place on Friday 18 November, and if successful, the second round of auditions will take place on Friday 25 November.
The scheme is now in its second year and it aims to find, shape, inspire, and champion the next generation of performers from currently underrepresented groups in theatre. It provides a new alternative performance pathway into employment for future theatre makers who have had little to no formal drama training.
The programme is being supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The Emmanuel Kaye Foundation who have helped provide funding for 30 trainees over three years.
The full company will comprise of 20 people, with 10 places available each year via an audition process. The training programme is an addition to Young Lyric’s educational initiatives for marginalised young people.
One of the trainees from last year said, “SPRINGBOARD has completely changed my life – I never would have gotten where I am now if it weren’t for the amazing support from my friends and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre staff who have been there for me every step of the way. I got the opportunity to participate in interesting workshops led by industry professionals and was able to perform in short films, scratches, and our own Studio show.”
Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director & CEO at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, said: “We are delighted to soon welcome our second cohort of trainees to SPRINGBOARD. Our bold and unique alternative performance pathway programme here at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre offers a 360-degree hands-on experience through hundreds of opportunities within this theatre and builds on our long and influential history of talent development. It directly speaks to our profound commitment to equality of opportunity and we are proud to be at the forefront of changing the industry.”
Rob Lehmann, Director of Young Lyric, said: “Over the last year this unique free training programme has nurtured the next generation of performers through unrivalled theatre-based training in their journey from participant to professional, with many having already acquired representation and production credits as a direct result from their engagement in the SPRINGBOARD programme.”
If you would like to apply for a place fill out the online form before 10am on Friday 11 November.
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November 4, 2022