Newcastle Theatre Royal has been named as one of 12 theatres across England joining forces with the National Theatre in a £27m initiative designed to introduce more young people to the performing arts and help them pursue careers in the creative industries.
The four-year National Theatre Nationwide programme aims to reach more than 100,000 young people, offering opportunities ranging from acting, directing and playwriting to backstage skills and technical careers.
It will also provide subsidised £10 theatre tickets, productions created for young audiences, school tours and workshops, with a new Nationwide Youth Council giving young people a say in future activities.
The investment comes from the Government’s Dormant Assets Scheme, which redirects money from unused financial accounts to good causes, alongside fundraising by the National Theatre.
For Newcastle Theatre Royal, the partnership will build on its existing work with young people through programmes including Youth Theatre, Youth Company and NT Connections.
Three young people involved in those programmes - Keira Davis, Maddie Clasp and Robert Punchard - accompanied the theatre’s chief executive, Marianne Locatori, to the national - and star-studded - launch in London this week.
Marianne said: “Theatre and creativity help young people find their voice, build confidence and imagine different futures.
“At Newcastle Theatre Royal, our impact goes beyond the productions we present on stage. We want to create more opportunities for young people to connect, create, learn and thrive.
“This investment through National Theatre Nationwide will enable us to give much needed opportunity to more young people across the North East, opening doors to inspiring theatre experiences, creative skills development and creating new pathways into the creative industries, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
The announcement comes as the Government and theatre industry seek to address barriers which can prevent young people from accessing cultural experiences, particularly those who live outside London or whose families cannot afford regular theatre visits.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Experiencing the joy of theatre shouldn’t be restricted to only those who can afford it or who were born in the right postcode.
“This programme takes the very best of the National Theatre and brings it to the doorsteps of our young people across the country, many for the first time ever, to help them find their spark, expand their horizons and encourage them to see a creative future for themselves.”
Actor Sir Ian McKellen also welcomed the initiative, saying: “It is appropriate that a National Theatre should live up to its name by taking their work round the country.
“For young audiences living far away from the NT’s London headquarters, here is a chance to see them close to home and get involved. If this means that theatre-going becomes a habit rather than an occasional adventure, hurrah!”
Newcastle Theatre Royal is among five founding members of the Regional Independent Theatre Alliance (RITA) taking part in National Theatre Nationwide.
The others are Norwich Theatre, Leeds Heritage Theatres, the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury and Birmingham Hippodrome.
The alliance, launched earlier this year, brings together major regional theatres which operate independently without regular public subsidy.
Newcastle Theatre Royal itself receives no statutory or regular funding, making the new investment an opportunity to expand its community and youth engagement work.
Further details of the activities and opportunities available to young people across the North East are expected as the four-year programme develops.