ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ took over a theatre and gave 72 youngsters from five ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ schools a window into the world of creative careers.
The partnership took place between ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ and the New Wolsey Theatre during an occasion that saw small groups of teenagers participate in sessions relating to acting, music, photography and more.
At the end of the six creative sessions, the youngsters from Chantry, Felixstowe, Holbrook, Northgate and Ormiston schools got to watch a showcase from ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ performing arts learners on the main stage of the Ipswich theatre.
This was the second year that this event had taken place.
Abi Thompson is the Director of Creative Arts, Enterprise and Digital Industries at ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅. Abi said: βWe have delivered a range of workshops, led by specialist tutors and the point is to celebrate the creative industries and ensure the future workforce understands the opportunities that are available to them.β
βThe New Wolsey has been phenomenal and the students who came along really engaged with the day.β
Vicky Fosker is a teacher at Ormiston Endeavour Academy in Sudbury. Vicky said: βIβm a careers lead so from my point of view, this event helps students make more informed choices about their futures and it has given them insights into the creative industries. Itβs been brilliant and the students have loved it.β
Amelia Chapman β a student from Chantry Academy said: βWe have been involved in lots of activities, it has been great and it has been fun to be part of this event. Potentially Iβm a student of ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ and this has made me think about a career in the arts.β
Stephanie Lincoln is head of performing arts at Chantry Academy. Stephanie said: βItβs interesting and nice to see all the industries and how they work. I think that what the college and theatre is doing is a really nice idea. My advice to others about getting careers in creative industries is donβt give up and never apologise for who you are.β
In the evening, the audience was treated to live performances by music learners and a showcase of theatre and song, reflecting some of the highlights created by the performing arts department including excerpts from the musical 9 to 5.
Tony Casement head of creative communities at the New Wolsey Theatre said: βItβs an amazing event. Itβs important for us to work with ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ so young people get hands on experiences of the cultural sector and pathways in education that could lead them towards work in a theatre or the arts.
βWe do a lot of work in our community to support local people and my advice to young people about careers in the sector is to get out and meet people, be brave and find opportunities.β