Careers Through the Arts: Beyond the Stage

On Tuesday 15 July, we welcomed aspiring young creatives for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of theatre and the many career paths the arts have to offer. 

In collaboration with Watermill Theatre and funded by Greenham Trust, our Careers Through the Arts programme is designed to inspire and inform young people aged 11 - 25 about the diverse opportunities available in the arts industry. After the success of our first Beyond the Stage event last year, the event invites local secondary school students and teachers into the Corn Exchange or Watermill Theatre, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the wide range of careers beyond performing; challenging the common perception that being on stage is the only path into the arts. This year, it was hosted at the Corn Exchange.  

The day began with a welcome talk from the talented actor Joe Evans, who provided a useful glance into what the day had to bring, along with an insightful discussion with employees that work in our building and the Watermill Theatre.

A careers fair then took place, giving students the chance to explore a wide range of industry stallholders and gain valuable insights into different career paths. From Berkshire Film Office and Escape Studios to Kingsclere Performing Arts College and the University of Winchester, there was plenty on offer to explore, inspire and inform our young creatives. 

We also offered a variety of interactive workshops for students to get stuck into. One highlight was the playwriting session, which encouraged creative storytelling by guiding students to plot key moments from their own lives for the stage. Another was our Technical Theatre workshop, led by our very own tech team, which introduced young creatives to the fundamentals of sound and lighting design; shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked technical careers within the arts industry. 

Hosted by Joe Evans, there were also a series of talks on offer for students and teachers to listen in to. This included a ‘Is the Arts Industry for me?’ talk which emphasised that the arts aren't just about talent, but also about passion, hard work, and resilience. The panellists encouraged students to think about what excites them creatively, and how those interests could be turned into a career. There was also a talk given which asked, ‘What are the challenges in the industry?’, giving students an idea of what challenges they may face while striving to get into the arts. This included factors such as competition, lack of support and opportunities. Despite these challenges, our panel encouraged students to pursue their passion and reminded them that the arts are powerful - they inspire, bring people together, and can change the world. 

To wrap up the day, students participated in a Q&A session with the creative professionals who had joined us earlier. The speakers shared their personal journeys and offered valuable advice for young people interested in pursuing careers in the arts. They encouraged students to stay curious and proactive, create their own opportunities when needed, and avoid comparing their paths to others - reminding everyone that each journey is unique.

To get a glimpse into what this jam-packed day looked like, take a look at our video below: