Kiln Sparks offers a chance for backstage talent chance to work in-the-round at New Vic Theatre

Kiln Sparks is a new one-week course offering emerging and entry-level theatre personnel from under-represented groups to get experience working in-the-round at Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre.

The one-week residential course, in conjunction with New Earth Theatre and tiata fahodzi, is led by the New Vic’s Associate Director Vicki Dela Amedume MBE and is designed for entry level sound and lighting technicians.

So, the programme could support company stage managers wishing to expand their knowledge of technical processes, emerging production managers who would like to expand their technical knowledge or emerging sound and lighting designers who have not yet worked in-the-round.

The project aims to expand the industry’s knowledge base about making theatre in-the-round and diversify the pool of Global Majority backstage talent through an opportunity to work in a midscale, producing theatre.

Eight participants will be selected to take part in Kiln Sparks, which takes place in the New Vic’s 600-seat auditorium, rehearsal studio, and craft and production workshops from Monday 26th June to Friday 1st July.

After the course – which includes introductions into sound, lighting, rigging, programming, operating, and working with stage management – the New Vic will fund a paid three-month placement for two trainees to further their experience.

 “The New Vic creates work for people of all backgrounds, and we want access to the theatre industry to be available to everyone, including those working within it,” says Vicki Dela Amedume.

“Kiln Sparks has been designed in such a way to offer entry-level theatre backstage professionals the invaluable opportunity to gain some hands-on experience at a busy producing theatre-in-the-round. We’re excited to be working in collaboration with our partners New Earth Theatre and tiata fahodzi to ensure we reach a diverse pool of applicants and are looking forward to supporting people to realise their ambition of working in theatre.”

To make the programme more accessible a bursary of £450 will be paid to successful applicants, with per diems, accommodation and travel expenses provided. Applications are open now until Tuesday 2nd May 2023. To apply, visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk  

If you would like more information about the opportunity and how to apply, contact the New Vic’s admin department at recruitment@newvictheatre.org.uk or call 01782 381371.