Are you aged 14-15? Do you want to learn more about how theatre is produced? Or do you know a young person who might be interested?
For the first time ever we are opening up our successful Coventry Young Producers Collective (CYPC) to all young people. This exciting development programme introduces different careers and skills within the performance making industries. A group from the programme will then get hands on experience as they manage and deliver their own festival this summer, produced for and by young people.
How do I get involved?
You can be part of CYPC in two ways:
- Attending 4 x online industry expert sessions.
- Joining the full CYPC programme, with industry expert sessions, skills development workshops, and producing our annual physical theatre festival for 400 young people.
Option 1: Join our Online Industry Expert Sessions
Through a series of four exciting sessions with incredible experts, you will hear different perspectives on making or being part of change making performance. This year CYPC is focussing on the theme of POWER, and how the arts can play a part in making positive change in our society.
This year’s experts are:
Seb Charles: A physical theatre performer/actor, graduate from East 15. Seb started his journey as an outdoor street theatre clown, before working on acclaimed productions as a puppeteer including War Horse with the National Theatre, working with English National Ballet and Sally Cookson’s production of Lion Witch and the Wardrobe. Seb is currently in his 3rd year of touring with Little Amal, the 12 foot puppet of a 10 year old Syrian refugee child at the heart of The Walk. Amal has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees. Since July 2021, Seb has travelled with Amal to 160 towns and cities in 16 countries and been welcomed by two million people on the street and by tens of millions online. 440 events unique to each community that she visits have been created for her by thousands of artists and civil society and faith leaders.
Kathi Leahy: Producer and director for Imagineer Productions, a creative company specialising in cultural events and celebrations whose ambitious work combines imagination, creativity, engineering, and spectacle. Kathi has a long track record in creating outdoor performance work and celebratory arts with a strong international focus, producing new and extraordinary outdoor work; creating beauty and human connections where you least expect them.
Nicola Richardson: Nicola is a designer and artist with over two decades of experience working as a Creative Professional across the arts, education, and business sectors. As an artist Nicola has been commissioned to produce pieces across the UK for galleries, theatres, and a number of outdoor and site-specific installations. Her creative outlook and playful style are transferred to her work in education developing sustainable methods to improve engagement and motivation in schools. Nicola has been a long term collaborator with Highly Sprung, as well as producing work with other notable artists and organisations including Daniel Lismore, Coventry City of Culture and Coventry Pride and Little Amal.
Phil Hargreaves: Phil Hargreaves is an award-winning Creative Producer specialising in crafting cultural experiences that are relevant, punchy and audience focused. Phil works in a range of settings to support the development of artists, economies, and artistic productions. Phil’s passion is ensuring everyone has access and opportunities to engage with cultural experiences.Phil’s work as a freelancer includes working with Highly Sprung and Joss Arnott Dance and as the critical friend for the HOME Slough Creative People and Places programme. Phil has a vast amount of experience creating and producing a diverse range of cultural experiences from large scale outdoor productions and festivals to intimate light installations.
Each session provides an insight into the experience and work of the expert, followed by a Q&A session where you get the chance to ask your own questions.
Option 2: Join the CYPC team
Want to really develop your skills and challenge yourself? Why not sign up to the full CYPC programme? Alongside the industry expert sessions listed above, you’ll take part in skills development sessions with other young people and work towards producing a festival for schools and other young people this July.
What activities will I be taking part in?
As part of CYPC, there are some key activities which take place:
- Residencies: In person, day long opportunities to work with the full CYPC cohort, introducing and developing the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to fulfil the project.
- CYPC Meetings: Online weekly meetings to plan and check-in with project tasks, as well as hear from our industry experts.
- Physical Fellowship Festival: A week-long festival at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, planned and produced by CYPC. The festival provides creative opportunities for more than 400 young people aged 11-19, from 12 regional secondary schools.
When do I need to be available?
Online meetings throughout May & June:
- Wed 2nd May, 6pm 8pm
- Wed 5th June, 6pm 8pm
- Wed 12th June, 6pm 8pm
- Wed 19th June, 6pm 8pm
- Wed 26th June, 6pm 8pm
In person residency at the Daimler Powerhouse, Coventry CV1 4DQ:
- Sat 1st June, 10am-3pm
- Sat 22nd June, 10am – 3pm
Physical Fellowship Festival at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, CV1 1GS:
- Get in day on Fri 28th June 10am-3pm
- Festival runs Mon 1st to Fri 5th June – Young Producers will need to attend one of these days.
De-Brief and Evaluation Session at the Daimler Powerhouse, Coventry CV1 4DQ:
- Saturday 13th July 10am-3pm
How do I get involved?
If you’d like to get involved with the Coventry Young Producers Collective for 2024, or you know a young person who would be a good fit, email emily@highlysprungperformance.co.uk.