Peterborough theatre offers young creatives chance to share ideas ‘across the pond’

The Youth Creators participating in these workshops - part of the theatre’s bridging initiative following recent funding from the DCMS - will explore how theatre storytelling and digital technologies can be merged to create new and innovative forms of storytelling.

Richie Ross, Theatre Director at Peterborough New Theatre, added: “This project is an exciting opportunity for creative minds to be given the platform to develop their talent and to work with new technology. The current situation with regards to live theatre has given many practitioners the chance to think outside of the box and we’re really looking forward to see what amazing ideas come forward as well as working with an internationally acclaimed company like BYC and to be able to form friendships from across the pond!”

Erin McCready, from Brooklyn Youth Company based in New York, said: “BYC is thrilled to collaborate with Youth Creators from the United Kingdom. We are excited to share our devising techniques and explore new technologies with Selladoor (the company which runs New Theatre). The strength of our stories is going to create a bond and a bridge across the Atlantic Ocean and across cultures. We can’t wait to meet our new friends in the UK!”

Stephanos Africanos, the project’s design and technology coordinator, explained how through a series of introductory workshops, Youth Creators will come into contact with Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and learn fundamental skills which will “allow them to create and superimpose creative digital artefacts into their environments; that will be part of videos they will write, produce, act and direct.”

The course will run from January 9 to March 13, with an online live world premiere of Digital Youth Stories with Youth Creators as hosts will take place on March 5.

The project’s Instagram page will act as a platform for documenting the Youth Creators’ creative exploration and will host an online showcase and presentation of their final work: instagram.com/digitalyouthstories

To apply, please email [email protected] outlining why you would be a good candidate and how you would benefit from being part of these workshops. No prior experience is necessary – enthusiastic young creatives that are open to collaboration with other young creatives from across the Atlantic to explore the craft of digital storytelling are being sought. Application deadline is January 7, 2021.