The New Vic’s Youth Theatre is an exciting opportunity for young people aged between 4-19 years with an interest in creative arts and drama to explore performance techniques and theatre skills both on and off stage through weekly workshops at Staffordshire’s producing theatre-in-the-round. As well as being an incredibly fun experience and a great way to meet new friends, the New Vic Youth Theatre also serves are a valuable tool in helping young people secure employment opportunities within the creative industries and provide them with an impressive range of skills that can be used throughout their careers.
Two former members of the New Vic Youth Theatre, Jacob Anderson and Callum Day, have recently worked on the New Vic’s Christmas production, The Three Musketeers, and we asked them how helpful their Youth Theatre background had been in securing a role within the industry:
Assistant Stage Manager Jacob Anderson said:
“What’s amazing about the New Vic Youth Theatre is how closely it mirrors a professional theatre, encompassing all the various roles both on stage and behind the scenes. This means that whatever your skills, interests, or passions, there’s a way for you to get involved and thrive.”
Casual Theatre Technician Callum Day said:
“I’ve always known that I wanted to work in theatre from a young age, but before Youth Theatre I was only aware of the acting pathway. It was Youth Theatre that showed me the more behind the scenes routes.
The position of casual technician was opened up to all Youth Theatre members to help offer experience in all aspects of theatre. From there, I was able to branch out to stage management too.”
Youth Theatre members progress to Young Company when they reach the age of 16 and in previous years the New Vic’s Young Company have performed across the country at regional and national events, festivals and venues including the Royal Shakespeare Company. This year, Young Company are working on a new play exploring the early life of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous 20th century artist, Arthur Berry, which will be performed on the New Vic stage this summer, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of his birth. Whilst performing on stage is often the main attraction for individuals to sign up to Youth Theatre, some prefer the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects more. Jacob said:
“I was always quite shy, and the idea of performing didn’t appeal to me. However, I loved being creative and working with my hands. The Arts Awards provided the perfect opportunity to explore backstage roles such as set, costume, lighting, and sound design, as well as stage management.
Before joining the youth theatre, I had never realised that a career in theatre was even an option. But projects like the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Arts Awards opened the door to this world for me. They ultimately led me to pursue a BTEC in Technical Theatre at Newcastle College, a Design for Stage degree at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and finally to the role I hold today as an Assistant Stage Manager at the New Vic Theatre.”
Jacob and Callum have both worked on the New Vic’s Christmas production, The Three Musketeers. Callum worked as part of the stage crew, assisting with fit-ups and traps, pre-show soundchecks, quick costume changes and much more. He said:
“Working on The Three Musketeers has been a really rewarding experience. It is great to be able to work in a professional environment and be a part of such a high-quality production.
Jacob, Assistant Stage Manager on the show, said:
“Collaborating on this show has been an incredible experience—working alongside an exceptionally talented team to create work we are all passionate about. I still feel so fortunate to wake up every day and go to work creating shows on a stage that inspired me as a 16-year-old just starting out in the youth theatre.”
Summarising the importance of Youth Theatre, Jacob said:
“One of the things I value most about the youth theatre is the sense of community and support it offers—both during your time as a member and beyond.
If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone starting their journey with youth theatre, it would be this: Find what interests you most and run with it. Approach every opportunity with a positive attitude—you never know where it might lead you.”
The New Vic Theatre’s Youth Theatre is recruiting for new members to join its exciting weekly sessions as it begins its latest term in February, with members having the chance to perform on the New Vic stage this summer.
To find out costs and to sign up for the New Vic Youth Theatre, contact the New Vic Box Office on 01782 717 962 or email lparry@newvictheatre.org.uk.