Barry Henderson successfully completed Perth's Trainee Youth Theatre Director Scheme in June: a programme of training and development which offers practical opportunities hailed as invaluable by national directors.
"The scheme is an amazing opportunity for young practitioners to work alongside established theatre professionals and engage with a variety of creative practices," said Barry.
His comments were echoed by Colin Bradie, Director of PromoteYT Scotland who said: "Perth Youth Theatre's Trainee Scheme is unique to the youth theatre sector of Scotland playing a crucial role in providing invaluable apprenticeships to aspiring youth theatre practitioners."
The Perth-based Trainee Youth Theatre Directors Scheme is the only one of its kind in Scotland and, already, has assisted more than 20 graduates in developing their careers. Run alongside Perth Youth Theatre (PYT), the scheme began six years ago and is now looking for three more recruits keen to develop their skills. The programme is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of community drama or directing but who feel they would benefit from additional hands-on experience. " I set up the scheme with new graduates in mind" said PYT Associate Director Jennie McGregor. "When I graduated I really felt I would benefit from additional opportunities to devise and lead workshops in a supportive environment before going it alone, and this is what the scheme offers"
Barry added: "I have been afforded the opportunity to work on two pieces of work which have both challenged and widened my ideas about working with youth theatre and I feel confident that I have solidified enough ideas to continue working in this area with creativity and a sense of how a youth theatre engages young performers/writers on many levels. This experience is about growing as a practitioner and the scheme at Perth Youth Theatre more than provides that opportunity."
Successful applicants will work alongside professional theatre practitioners to plan and deliver drama workshops for Perth Youth Theatre. In addition, trainees will act as assistant director for a minimum of one PYT production. Trainees will also have the opportunity to gain experience of community and education projects where possible. Candidates must be over 18 and able to demonstrate some or all of the following:
• Currently be undertaking further education in a drama based subject or have completed such a course within the last 2 years.
• Practical experience of devising and leading drama workshops.
• Excellent interpersonal skills combined with a positive and energetic outlook.
Previous trainees have gone on to work with Perth Theatre or in the Youth Theatre / Community drama field.
The scheme runs from October 2007 – July 2008. Each trainee works for up to 7 hours each week (mostly evening work). -- www.horsecross.co.uk
