The Churchill Theatre recently gave 60 young people an insight into a career on the stage and behind the scenes. MICHAEL PURTON found out what they learned.

THERE is more to the Churchill Theatre than simply dazzling audiences - the team there has a real commitment to cultivating new generations of workers both on and off the stage.

This happens through its creative learning programme, where 175 people aged from three to 88 are given the chance to develop skills in classes in a variety of disciplines, including drama and ballet.

And the theatre in Bromley High Street also holds an annual Careers in Theatre Industry Event, where young people are shown how they can forge a career on stage and behind the scenes.

At this year’s event, which took place at the end of last month, four industry professionals led workshops for 60 Year 12 students from nearby schools.

Creative learning manager Jenny Batt said: “This day is about giving students access to the building, giving opportunities to ask questions of professionals, and exploring the skills needed and pathways available to get into the industry.”

Supported by Bromley Education Business Partnership, which provides educational activities for schools in the borough, the event featured four workshops which gave the students vital knowledge.

Workshop 1: Pathways to an Acting Career Led by experienced casting director Chrissie McMurrich, who has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, this workshop gave an insight into the theatre industry from an actor’s perspective.

Students found out about the audition process, the various routes into acting professionally, and the steps to take after completing a training course.

Workshop 2: Directors School Director Rebecca Manson, who has directed plays at the Old Vic and Soho Theatre, led this workshop, which taught students about the role of a director in theatre and surviving in the industry.

The workshop included a brainstorming and question and answer session, and students had the chance to explore how they would direct a section of the play An Enemy of the People.

Workshop 3: What is a Producer? Students were taught about the many jobs of a theatre producer in this session, which was led by Richard Saddler from the School of Design, Management and Technical Arts at Rose Bruford College in Sidcup.

The workshop included the pupils drawing up their own programme of shows for an imaginary theatre, working within a set budget and considering profit margins.

Workshop 4: Introduction to Technical Theatre Led by the Churchill Theatre’s experienced technical team, students were given a hands-on introduction to backstage disciplines including lighting, sound and stage management.

This involved programming the lighting and sound cues for a short script and then running it through as a mini performance on the stage at the theatre.