Arts / Bristol Hippodrome
Tackling youth inequality through theatre
A new programme hopes to tackle inequality of opportunity among young people through the art of theatre.
The Bristol Hippodrome has partnered up with charity and business National Friendly and Ablaze Bristol to launch the Creative Learning Programme.
The programme, which involves “bespoke” workshops, hopes to give pupils an insight into the variety of careers available at the theatre.
is needed now More than ever
Pupils from Glenfrome Primary in Eastville have already taken part in the programme. Pupils met a team of qualified theatre practitioners from The Bristol Hippodrome, and delved into the extensive career options available in the theatre, from customer experience and hospitality to marketing and technical jobs.
Students at Glenfrome Primary school enjoy a workshop by theatre practitioners from The Bristol Hippodrome – photo: The Bristol Hippodrome/National Friendly
In a particularly poignant moment, pupils drafted poems about their thoughts, worries and what they are looking forward to when transitioning to senior school, which were then read aloud.
Naomi Kilcoyne, sales and development manager at The Bristol Hippodrome hopes the programme will increase access to and diversity in the creative sector.
“The tailored sessions, which aim to inspire young people, are a great way to ensure we are continuing to open our doors to an even wider and more diverse audience, and we look forward to welcoming more young people into the venue.”
The programme has so far been a resounding success, with pupils expressing how much they enjoyed the novelty of the theatre, particularly its more technical elements.
“Many of them have never been to the theatre before and to get inside and have a tour was a fantastic experience for them”, said Inger O’Callaghan, head teacher at Glenfrome Primary school.
Sally Melvin, CEO of Ablaze, said: “Our focus is on those cohorts who are under-served, hardest to reach and who lack the support and connections to facilitate their career pathways and ambitions.
“Research shows that young people who have four or more encounters with workplaces while in education are 86% less likely to become NEET (not in education, employment or training).”
National Friendly’s PR and corporate partnerships executive said the programme was a “unique” opportunity for students to develop and build their communication skills with real theatre practictioners.
Main photo: Bristol Hippodrome/National Friendly
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