Dance Consortium is committed to fostering the future dance and theatre workforce. Established in 2015, the Future Leaders programme is tailored for individuals aged 19-26, offering insights into theatre and dance management and providing connections with industry professionals through Dance Consortium’s network of 22 regional venues. It creates opportunities to connect with international dance companies and choreographers as they tour the UK, giving aspiring early career artists, producers and arts managers unique industry insights and experience. It is free to take part and designed to fit around work or study commitments.
Future Leaders 2018 (Photo by Fiona Ross)
Future Leaders has supported 120 individuals to date. Half of the programme places are reserved for individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in the UK theatre sector.
The 2025 programme will include venue insight visits, online skills workshops and peer mentoring to broaden the participants’ exposure to industry expertise.
“The opportunity to learn from industry professionals and meet other young people interested in the same things as me has truly propelled my career and understanding of the arts.”
“Due to travel and accommodation costs being covered, I was fortunate to be able to attend Future Leaders opportunities…I simply couldn’t afford to travel and pay for accommodation. It would be great for future Artists that are based in less connected/more isolated areas to still feel they are able to access events and not be limited by their location or financial circumstances.”
Source: 2021 Future Leaders survey
With access to exceptional Q&A sessions, speed networking, backstage tours, and theatre insight sessions, 95% of participants noted how Future Leaders provided them with new ideas and information applicable to their training or careers’ next steps. Making industry connections was rated highly, emphasizing the excellent benefit of a supportive and inspirational environment among like-minded peers.
