A scheme designed to enhance the critical writing skills of local young people has helped a Bridgend resident secure her dream role. Rachel Williams has recently been awarded the post of stage editor at Buzz magazine. Rachel has been attending the Bridgend Young Critics’ Scheme run by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Arts and Community Development Department. The scheme aims to develop and showcase the voices of young people, encouraging them to think critically about the theatrical or musical productions they produce.

Rachel is delighted at the news and attributes much of her success to the experience she gained whilst attending the council run course: “Being a young critic has opened up a lot of doors, particularly with meeting new contacts and fantastic theatre companies. Without it I wouldn’t have the opportunities in seeing so many cultural events, and having the chance to get my voice heard has been brilliant. It has led to bigger challenges for my writing and critical skills.”

Councillor Lyn Morgan, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing said: “I was delighted to hear about Rachel and her considerable achievement. It is very encouraging to hear stories of how our scheme has helped our students to develop their writing skills and use those skills to help better their career chances.”

The Bridgend Young Critics’ scheme is available to young people aged 12 – 25. Through expert guidance, students are be able to explore the role of the art critic, and discover different ways to respond to theatre and live art including face book, Vimeo and Twitter. Since October 2010, the scheme has worked very successfully in partnership with a range of venues and companies including National Theatre Wales, Sherman Cymru, National Dance Company Wales, Literature Wales, Wales Millennium Centre, WNO, Theatre na Nog, Earthfall, Arts Council Wales, Night Out and Theatre Wales website. Throughout the year, young critics are encouraged to write a number of theatrical and musical reviews.

For further information contact Bridgend County Borough Council’s Arts Projects Officer Guy O’Donnell on (01656) 642727, or email: odonnell.guy@bridgend.gov.uk