Apprentices Join RSC As Part Of THINK THEATRE Project

Four new apprentices have joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon, as part of the RSC Craft Apprenticeship Scheme. The apprentices are working in the Company's theatre crafts workshops where the sets and props for its plays are made. The Apprenticeship Scheme is just one part of the RSC's new Think Theatre initiative, which encourages more people to think about pursuing a career in theatre.

Chris Simmonds, aged 18 and from Lower Quinton, near Stratford-upon-Avon, has joined the Property Workshop where props are made; Paul Riddle, aged 28 and from Birmingham, has joined the Scenic Art Department as a paintshop apprentice; and Will Fagan and Sam Reynolds, both aged 19 and from Leamington Spa, are working in the Scenic Workshop, where the sets are made.

Chris, Paul, Will and Sam have just begun their full time three year apprenticeships. They are learning ‘on the job', and will be supported by mentors within their departments throughout the programme. They will also attend external training courses, with Chris, Will and Sam already spending one day a week at Warwickshire College.

Vikki Heywood, RSC Executive Director said: "It's great to welcome Chris, Paul, Will and Sam to the RSC. It's a win-win situation for us: we get to benefit from the skills they will develop here, and the apprentices get to start their careers working with our highly talented craftspeople.

"The Scheme illustrates perfectly our new campaign Think Theatre. We feel very passionately about promoting the theatre industry to school, college and university leavers, and we want to build a more diverse workforce here in Stratford, drawn from right across the West Midlands region. Our campaign kicks off with a specially commissioned film trailer, created by RSC actor and film director, Chris McGill, which we will be sharing with schools, careers services and via social media. The film encourages those making career choices to consider the enormous range of jobs in the theatre industry - not just acting, but everything from finance to carpentry and costume-making.

"This new Apprenticeship Scheme is just one of the many career development opportunities we offer. Last year over 150 schoolchildren and young people joined us at our Open Doors and A Taste of Theatre events, or on one of the work placements we regularly offer across many areas of the company."

More information about Think Theatre can be found at www.rsc.org.uk/thinktheatre

Since they started, the apprentices have been working on RSC productions including Twelfth Night, Arabian Nights, Julius Caesar and A Tender Thing.

Each of the apprentices receives an annual salary, plus funding for all training and development, as well as financial support towards travel and accommodation arrangements.

Both the RSC and the Clore Duffield Foundation have contributed £50,000 towards the first year of the scheme, and have committed substantial funding towards the following four years of the apprenticeship programme.

The Clore Duffield Foundation is chaired by Dame Vivien Duffield DBE, who said:"I know from my long experience with the Royal Opera House just how important the crafts involved in putting on any theatrical experience can be. For those lucky enough to see behind the scenes, visits to prop and set workshops are endlessly fascinating, but we rarely fully grasp the knowledge, skills and expertise required in such roles. This new RSC scheme is a first step in enabling a new generation of craftspeople to emerge, and I am delighted that the RSC is making a commitment to this aspect of its work, and to nurturing young talent and potential."