The Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust programmes a regular series of free talks and workshops designed to inspire, nurture, interest and inform young people aged 16 - 30 about the theatre industry. Leading theatre makers generously give their time to share their knowledge and experience. We are devoted to using theatre as a platform to build confidence, strengthen self-esteem, nurture creativity and other transferable life skills.
In an era of expensive tuition fees and an education system that is putting less emphasis on the arts it is vital that the masterclasses are kept free so any young person, regardless of background can attend. We are in danger of failing our youth and are at risk of a creating a two tiered system in the arts where by those who are financially and socially disadvantaged are being culturally excluded.
Masterclass, with an open door policy, provides direct access to the very best working in the industry today, ensuring young people of all backgrounds continue to have access, at the highest levels, to all areas of the theatre industry so they can be inspired and encouraged. Masterclass promotes these opportunities out to schools, colleges, youth and community groups and other arts organisations with over 2000 young people attending each year.
The Masterclasses have been running or 19 years and the long term impact is best illustrated by the impact they have had on the careers of past attendees. Many are now making their mark in the industry by creating theatre, running venues, teaching and encouraging other young people to become involved with the arts. Over 80,000 young people have engaged with Masterclass and it is estimated it will continue to have this impact long in to the future.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
