Actors training Apprenticeship in Torquay, Devon

Do you crave attention?

Do you love to perform?

Do you want to be an actor?

Would you like to experience working for a preffesional Theatre Company?

Learn in the best way possible - by becoming an apprentice!

Spend 12 months training with the Westcountry Theatre Company(WTC), based in Torquay, Devon., learning everything you need to know about acting and working in the performance industry!

You could start next week....

How it works.

• The Apprenticeship takes place over a minimum of three academic terms.
• The aim of the apprenticeship is to prepare you for work within a professional theatre company.
• Apprenticeships start in October and run though the year with a passing out(no, not the fainting variety) and graduation party in the penultimate week of August.

Term 1:

Get to know the Westcountry Theatre Company(WTC)! It is important that every actor knows about the company they are working for. After all, members of the public normally want to talk to the actors after a show so it makes sense that they are equipped to deal with a number of questions that may be asked. Join our Stage One Co-Stars Theatre School Youth Theatre! For those who have never acted before, or have very little experience, our Youth Theatreprovides a quick and easy way to learn the fundamentals. It will also be a perfect opportunity for apprentices to develop their confidence(which is paramount) in a safe and friendly environment. Shadow one of our team! The Westcountry Theatre Company(WTC) runs a number of Drama and Dance classes during school term times(Stage One Co-Stars Theatre School). Apprentices will sit in on these lessons, watching how our team members coordinate groups of children ranging from 4 to 21 years old.Many theatre companies survive solely on delivering Dance and or Drama classes, learning how to effectively teach lessons heading toward a final performance outcome is an extremely valuable asset to learn.

Term 2:

Take control! Whereas in the previous term the apprentice was shadowing one of our Team Members, this term the roles will be switched. The apprentice takes on the role of teacher while our Team Member watches on. This is to see how much the apprentice has learned coaching them along the way with suggestions to help improve their technique. Gain more Skills! Each apprentice now has the opportunity to stretch themselves. We encourage our apprentices to participate in an activity they haven't yet done. Whether that means joining one of our dance classes, learning how to sing, or learning more about the administration of the Company, its up to them! Start Touring! During the apprentices second term, the Company will begin touring schools in a reduced version of a Shakespearean text (whichever one is on the national curriculum). Apprentices will now have the chance to perform in the show and learn all about touring, including how to edit a text, hiring actors, designing a set, making costumes, rehearsals, and all the necessary on-tour responsibilities of a cast.

Term 3:

Master the Class! This term apprentices will take full control of one of our Stage One Co-Stars classes, working closely with the team towards a final performance piece which will be shown to the parents. Make a Scene! We want our apprentices to shine when they are on stage, so we aim to give them one of the lead roles in our Summer Open Air Tour. This is normally a Shakespearean text which has been edited ever-so-slightly to cut it down to a comfortable viewing time of 90 minutes. During this tour we will show them what requirements are made of a company in order to perform in a public venue. They will be taught about Health and Safety, Company Management, and Stage management. As well as how to take in the applause at the end of a show. Sell Yourself! This is the term where apprentices will be taught about the paperwork involved with working in the performance industry. They will learn about being self-employed and how that can affect their tax and National Insurance Contributions, how to create a performers CV, how to attain Theatre Company addresses and write a covering letter, what to do at an audition, and how to get an agent. We will also endeavor to teach them how to take rejection and how to avoid being conned by people who should know better! The last two lessons often occur once an apprentice has left the safety of an educational establishment, but we make it our policy to give advice to any of our apprentices who complete the course.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Auditions are held throughout the year. To apply please send a photo, CV and covering letter to:

Westcountry Theatre Company (WTC)
St Mary Magdalene Church Hall
Union Street
TORQUAY
TQ1 4BX


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Tel: 01803 299996

contact us for more information.