Delfont Mackintosh Theatres // The Stage Events: Showing you how it's done

The Stage's new live events arm, The Stage Events, is launching with a unique series of 'How to' sessions to transform and inspire you, whatever level you are in the entertainment industry.

Each 'How to' session is focused on a specific topic to help you gain insider knowledge and get the edge on the competition.

The rolling programme - the first of its kind - will run throughout the year, building on The Stage's reputation for helping and championing newcomers and professionals in the industry.

Whether you're a student trying to get your first professional role, a full-time performer wanting to top-up your knowledge, a would-be stage manager wanting advice or a parent with a child who dreams of acting, there's a session for you.

The three-hour sessions are led by experts working in the industry and are open to everyone aged over 16 - you don't need to be a member of an organisation, there's no upper age limit and you don't need to send a CV or bring headshots. Book your place at thestage.co.uk/events.

The sessions will be held in West End theatres, with plans to expand the programme across the UK. The Stage Events is also in talks with the host theatres to offer additional extras, such as backstage tours.

Each 'How to' session is only #39 plus VAT - a low price so everyone can get access to advice from top experts at exciting venues, all organised by The Stage, an established name you can trust.

The rolling programme will feature more than 100 sessions a year, with morning ones repeated in the afternoon to fit in with your schedule, and there are nine topics covered by the first set. Titles include 'How to fund your training', 'How to get seen by the right people', 'How to nail your audition' and 'How to work with agents'. The programme will eventually expand to more than 40 different titles a year.

Each session will include time for a Q&A, so you can get some individual advice and feedback as well as learn-ing from the talk itself. One of the speakers at the sessions, children's casting director Jo Hawes, says: "The new initiative being run by The Stage is going to be a fantastic way for professionals to further their knowledge about their particular area.

"In my case, parents are often pushed by their children to find out about auditions and they often do not realise what they are taking on. So to be able to offer them the opportunity to learn more and make an informed decision before they agree to their children auditioning is a much-needed and exciting initiative."

The Stage's education and training editor Susan Elkin, who will be speaking about how to find routes into the industry, says: "Anyone wanting to break into the performing arts industry needs, especially in these cash-strapped times, information and tips about the pros and cons of various sorts of training and how to pay for it. We've often touched on these subjects in The Stage and on our website. Now we're packaging what we know into in-depth seminars. If you're a wannabe or the parent of one, these are opportunities you can't afford to miss."

Other experts in the series include director Thomas Hescott, theatre producer and artistic director Neil McPherson and photographer Michael Wharley. Wharley explains: "There are so many workshops out there, it can be hard to know who to trust. With these 'How to' sessions, experts across the spectrum of the industry are giving you practical, impartial advice to keep you ahead of the competition and to advance your career. It all comes backed up by the weight and expertise of The Stage, which has been at the heart of the business for many years."

The first session, 'How to nail your audition', will be held on February 7. It's an essential toolkit for all performers and aspiring performers for the audition process, and will be led by casting director Richard Evans, a member of the Casting Directors' Guild. Aspects covered in the event - which is not a casting session or audition - will include places to look for auditions, pre-audition research and how to prepare for the role, as well as the low-down on the casting process, making an entrance and how to handle the audition itself. It will also explain recalls, what to expect from the waiting room, how to deal with nerves and the next steps to take after auditions. Places are limited, so book your seat early.

Evans explains why the sessions could help. "In our competitive and overcrowded industry, it has never been as important for every performer to raise their game and be ahead of the competition in order to achieve success," he says.

"These 'How to' sessions, hosted by The Stage - the oldest and most respected publication for the entertainment industry - offer essential skills and inside knowledge to maximise your chances."

Robert West, head of programmes for the National Skills Academy for Creative Culture, welcomes the launch of The Stage Events. He says: "The Stage 'How to' events programme will be an essential addition to the opportunities available for people looking to develop their career in the creative sector. Whether you're looking to find out how to stand out at an audition, how to develop a career backstage or how to fund your training, The Stage 'How to' events are bringing to life the know-how you need to find your way and succeed."

The series of 'How to' sessions is just the first part of The Stage Events' plans. For information about upcoming events and live sessions, keep an eye on the newspaper and thestage.co.uk/events or email events@thestage.co.uk.

Wednesday 20 Dec 2011

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Delfont Mackintosh Theatres

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