Written by Sheffield Theatres
In association with Ramps On The Moon and Leeds Playhouse, Sheffield Theatres will be co-hosting three introductory courses for deaf and disabled people who are interested in pursuing careers in directing, producing, and writing.
The courses will see aspiring artists collaborate with industry professionals over several months before coming together to share their work.
These courses are aimed at people right at the beginning of their careers, and no previous experience is necessary. They will be free to attend with practical and financial support available.
This is an opportunity to work with industry professionals in a way that’s tailored to you. You’ll work with them over several months to learn and grow in your course and will come together for a sharing week, where you’ll meet and work with other artists like you.
Intro to Writing course
The writing course will take place at Leeds Playhouse, led by Leanna Benjamin (Artist for Change and Writer in Residence) and Rio Matchett (Furnace Coordinator).
The key dates for this course are:
- Tue 22 February: first session
- Tue 1 March: second session
- Tue 15 March: third session
- Tue 22 March: fourth session
- Tue 5 April: fifth session
- Tue 12 April: sixth session
- Tue 26 April: seventh session
- Mon 30 May to Fri 3 June: sharing week
- Tue 7 June: session eight / debrief
Intro to Directing course
The directing course will take place at Sheffield Theatres, led by Ben Wilson (Agent for Change) and Anthony Lau (Associate Artistic Director).
The key dates for this course are:
- Tue 22 March: first session
- Tue 29 March: second session
- Tue 5 April: third session
- Tue 10 May: fourth session
- Tue 17 May: fifth session
- Tue 24 May: sixth session
- Mon 30 May to Fri 3 June: sharing week
- Tue 7 June: session eight / debrief
Intro to Producing course
The producing course will take place at Leeds Playhouse, led by Paul Wilshaw (Agent for Change) and Ben Rothera (Freelance Producer).
- Tue 22 March: first session
- Tue 29 March: second session
- Tue 5 April: third session
- Tue 19 April: fourth session
- Tue 26 April: fifth session
- Tue 10 May: sixth session
- Tue 17 May: seventh session
- Mon 30 May to Fri 3 June: sharing week
- Tue 7 June: session eight / debrief
How to apply
Deadline: 10am Monday 14 February 2022.
To apply, please send an expression of interest to: t.bryson@sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and rio.matchett@leedsplayhouse.org.uk (please ensure you send your email to both addresses regardless of which course you are applying for).
Your application can be up to half a page for a text-based application or up to 3 minutes for an audio or video application. Your expression of interest should include:
- Your name and pronouns
- Which course you are applying for
- Why you are interested in pursuing a career as a director / producer / writer
- A few words about a piece of theatre that means something to you.
Support is available for this application process. Please email t.bryson@sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and rio.matchett@leedsplayhouse.org.uk to discuss any support you need to make this application process more accessible for you.
During the application window there will be running two optional Q&A sessions on Tuesday 18 January from 2–3pm, and Wednesday 19 January from 6:30–7:30pm. The sessions are an opportunity to meet the team running the courses, to ask questions, and to get additional support and information on the application process. They will take place via Zoom, but if you don’t have access to the internet, a phone call can be arranged instead. The content of each session is the same, so you can attend either one, and you don’t need to come to a Q&A session to apply.
To register for a Q&A session, please email both rio.matchett@leedsplayhouse.org.uk and t.byrson@sheffieldtheatres.co.uk with your full name, which course you are interested in, and which Q&A you would like to come to.
teacakeclub.org 