Morning all.
As I'm now no longer on my way to London for PLASA, I thought i'd finally get around to starting this discussion.
Having recently had the always pleasurable company of the Welsh National Youth Theatre, I have once again seen an excellent example of young people being given experiences in our industry and coming together as a team to produce a very high standard of work.
However, when I got into high schools to deliver workshops, or as part of another production, I am always shocked to see how little information about our industry is on offer to high school students at KS3 and KS4. A conversation a while ago confirmed for me that things had not changed radically since I was that age. A school careers adviser who shall remain unnamed said to me that "there are only really 2 career paths in theatre. Acting, and for those who don't, backstage." Unfortunately, this misconception is not uncommon amongst schools, parents and careers advisers. Most people in our industry fell into it rather than being advised upon it. The icing on the cake was, when I enquired about further education for theatre and backstage work I was told "There are establishments in Wales of course, but if you want to be successful then you have to train in London.......".
I would very much like to see the NTW work with KS3/4 and the careers service to dispel some of the myths and misinformation which is still floating around. And, as with the NYTW, give young people the hands-on opportunity and information they need to make an informed decision on the possible futures within our industry.
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