Beyond the Stage, an inspiring event championing creative careers for young people

From backstage secrets to centre-stage stories, young people will be able to step into the spotlight of career possibilities within the arts sector as Beyond the Stage returns for its second year, hosted at Corn Exchange Newbury!

We are delighted to announce Beyond the Stage, an inspiring event championing creative careers for young people, with the Watermill Theatre and a part of our Careers in the Arts programme, funded by Greenham Trust. 

This event is designed to open young minds to the wide opportunities within the creative industries. Building on the success of last year’s event at the Watermill Theatre, Beyond the Stage returns with an expanded programme of hands-on workshops, an industry insight careers fair and the launch of a brand-new theatre company. 

Taking place on Tuesday 15 July from 10am to 2.30pm, students in years 8 to 12 from secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges across West Berkshire and North Hampshire will delve into areas such as stage management, marketing, fundraising, access, outreach, and technical (sound and lighting), whilst panel talks from professionals at the Corn Exchange, the Watermill Theatre, and across the industry will offer insight into real-life career pathways and experiences.  

The workshops will be led by a range of theatre professionals, including a playwriting workshop with Oxfordshire-based playwright and theatre director, Emelia Hutchinson. Complementing the workshops is a creative industries-focused careers fair, where local businesses, freelancers, and education providers, including the University of Winchester, The Base Greenham, Resource Productions and Berkshire Film Office, will share opportunities and advice. The event is designed to help young people understand the wide range of opportunities available within the arts, as well as the skills that can be developed through engagement with the sector, and to highlight that there is an opportunity for everyone in this diverse and exciting sector.  

To end the day’s programme of events will be a performance from Rusted Boot Productions, Family Ties, which has been developed through the Creator Network. The Creator Network supports emerging creatives aged 18-25 as they take their first steps into the industry. Since November 2024, the inaugural group of four young people have met monthly and independently developed, written and directed this original piece as part of the Careers in the Arts project. The 7pm performance is followed by a Q&A with the Rusted Boot company to talk through their process and experience of being part of the Creator Network. Audiences are invited to arrive from 6.30pm for a complimentary celebratory drink and nibbles. To book tickets find out more here. 

Beyond the Stage reflects the Corn Exchange and Watermill Theatre’s ongoing commitment to using the arts to connect young people with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need for their futures, as well as empowering the next generation of creatives.