In collaboration with CIDA, the Creative Industries Development Agency, the West Yorkshire Playhouse is to host a career development programme for five trainees from African, Caribbean, Chinese and Asian communities.
Modelled on an ?Internship Programme? which is common in the US, the scheme will provide interns with a £10,000 tax-free bursary for a 12 month appointment in their chosen field within theatre. Funded by EU-ESF Objective 3, the Arts Council of England and Yorkshire Arts, the programme also includes customised training, mentoring and industry networking opportunities, designed to provide the interns with the skills necessary to develop a successful career in the sector. Five departments at the Leeds-based West Yorkshire Playhouse will be involved: Theatre Administration, Arts Development, Graphic Design, Box Office and Lighting & Sound. Anamaria Wills, Executive Director of CIDA said ?We need to recognise that, of all the people working in theatre, only 3% come from minority ethnic communities. We need to create and support opportunities for people from these communities to engage in employment in our field. It is fantastic that our leading theatre is ready and willing to provided a role model in this area ... this will clearly have a strong impact on the overall culture of their organisation and, we hope, provide a model for others throughout the UK.?