Nurturing Creative Careers through Dance Consortium Initiatives

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Dance Consortium is committed to developing the future workforce of the dance/theatre sector by nurturing and supporting the careers of young people across a range of initiatives. With unprecedented access to a network of 19 regional venues and international performing arts talent, our work allows us to connect aspiring young artists, producers and arts managers with industry expertise.

Future Leaders:

Established in 2015, Future Leaders aims to promote various producing and theatre management roles and has supported over 120 people to date. Tailored for individuals aged 19-26, the Future Leaders programme offers invaluable insights into theatre and dance management, encourages exploration, and helps those taking part build connections with top UK industry professionals.

Testimonials from past participants emphasise its impact on broadening career perspectives and opportunities within the arts. 95% rated theatre insight sessions very useful or excellent. For many, it has been a pivotal journey, sparking confidence and revealing previously unrecognised roles within the industry. Additionally, it fosters a community, with 85% acknowledging the project’s invaluable networking opportunities.

Applications for our Future Leaders initiative are currently open for the Spring 2024 cohort, until 11 December 2023. This programme in 2024 features events at The Lowry in Salford, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Sadler’s Wells in London, and includes online skills workshops, peer mentoring and visits to regional theatres.

Moreover, half of the places are reserved for individuals from under-represented backgrounds in the UK theatre sector.

Access the Future Leaders 2024 application form by clicking here.

Interested people can access the online information pack by clicking here.

On Tour Work Placements:

For 10 years, Dance Consortium has hosted students studying at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) on our international dance tours. These hands-on placements provide invaluable real-world tour management and technical experience, helping to shape their understanding of the industry. We are currently exploring further opportunities for students and young people to join us and gain valuable work experience with our member venues. More details will be shared next year but do follow us across our social media platforms to stay up to date.

TheatreCraft:

Dance Consortium recently took part in the TheatreCraft fair alongside One Dance UK, hosted at the Royal Opera House, TheatreCraft is the UK’s largest free careers event for anyone seeking off-stage roles in theatre. It was a great opportunity to meet the team and learn more about Future Leaders and other programmes that support the next generation of arts and cultural workers.

We encourage our partners and industry peers to spread the word about these opportunities and we hope to reach many more people aiming to explore careers in the arts over the coming years.

  • TheatreCraft

  • Future Leaders, Southampton

  • Future Leaders, Nottingham