FAQ Next Generation

• Can anyone apply to be part of it?

  No - but with good reason. The idea for RSC Next Generation came about because of the work we’ve been doing over the past 10 years through our Learning and Performance Network, now the RSC Associate Schools Programme. Both of these programmes are about forging long term partnerships with regional theatres and schools where we can make the biggest difference, often in areas with low socio-economic status and the least access to culture and our work.

  Next Generation is targeting young people from precisely those sorts of backgrounds, using our existing networks of 10 Regional Theatre Partners, our Warwickshire school partners and 500+ schools all over the country. Through these partners we reach more than 500,000 young people each year. We know the students we pick will be incredibly talented, but we can also be sure that they wouldn’t ordinarily benefit from opportunities like this. 

• What does the recruitment process involve?

  BACKSTAGE

  Young people aged 13-18 who attend schools that are already working with are invited to apply to be part of the programme, like they might apply for a job. We then work with our partner schools and the Regional Theatre Partners to identify the candidates who we think will benefit most from the opportunity and create a shortlist. From 40 to 50 young people will be recruited from across the country to work with different RSC departments such as production, communications, technical, digital departments and costume, design and props. 

  ACT

  To recruit our initial intake of 24 students, we are looking for individuals with exceptional talent. Members will be aged 13 to 18 years old and attend (or have attended) our 500+ associate and partner schools. The recruitment process will be carried out us in consultation with our Lead Associate Schools and Regional Theatre Partners: Blackpool Grand; Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Hull Truck Theatre; New Vic Theatre, Stoke on Trent; York Theatre Royal; Newcastle Theatre Royal; Hall for Cornwall; Intermission Theatre, London. To allow our first intake to ‘grow’ with the company we will start by recruiting young people in their early teens. They can then stay with the company until they are 18, and each year we will recruit new members.

  DIRECT

  We are working in partnership with Intermission Theatre to run a pilot scheme for young people 18+ years who demonstrate obvious creative leadership and/or directing skills. Those who take part will demonstrate strong leadership skills and a capacity to command a room full of people, develop ideas and make theatre. The pilot programme will develop into an annual programme aimed at identifying and recruiting new directing talent. It will also connect with existing national initiatives including the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme. 

• How will you select the final participants?

  The young people we recruit must fit our criteria. They must display extraordinary talent in their given field as well as be part of a demographic that would ordinarily struggle to break into that world. Our aim is to create a more level playing field and support those talented individuals who don’t get the opportunities that other young people may have access to. 

• Is it open to the whole of the UK?

  It is only across England at the moment because that is where our current funding allows. We’re also very aware that the other nations already operate successful schemes of their own, so want to focus our efforts on the areas that need it most and in which we already operate.

• Will they be guaranteed jobs with you at the end of it?

  We can’t guarantee everyone who has been part of the programme a job at the end of it, but we will equip them to be ready to take that next step into the workplace or on to further training, as well as give them a sense of what careers are available in the theatre.