Our Student Ambassadors went along to the Take Part activities we ran with Matthew Bourne's New Adventures while they were with us for The Red Shoes. Here's how they got on:
Hattie said:
The Careers Talk with Shelby and Alysa from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures was a wonderful, engaging, free experience that broadened my understanding of the performing arts industry beyond what is typically regarded on stage. As someone considering a future pathway in the arts, it was very valuable, painting a clearer picture of just how much goes into an award-winning large-scale production.
We learned about the development of The Red Shoes ballet. Understanding how a creative idea evolves from concept into a full-scale production, involving over 290 people, with an emphasis on collaboration, planning, and expertise.
The session began with an icebreaker activity where participants shared what had drawn them to the talk and what they hoped to gain, helping us build connections and become more comfortable in the space. We then discussed which areas we were most engaged with, which guided the talk to our interests and curiosities. The whole experience was very open and interactive, with continual opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification, and discussion was encouraged.
Shelby and Alysa talked through a variety of job roles in production beyond the stage, highlighting the wide range of opportunities involved. This included roles from resident dance artists to technical and production-based careers. One of the most valuable aspects of the talk was hearing directly from individuals involved in different areas of the company. We explored departments such as production, marketing, and technical support, gaining insight into roles such as projection design, which I had personally not previously considered, as well as the possible pathways into each of the job areas. This helped me realise just how many people and specialisms are required to bring a performance to life.
My main takeaway from the talk is the importance of being proactive and open to exploring different roles. The arts industry offers a great deal of flexibility, and understanding the variety of positions available can help individuals find a path that suits their interests and strengths. For anyone considering attending future careers talks, I would strongly recommend it. Getting to directly talk to those involved with a large expanse of knowledge and expertise was so incredibly interesting, as well as fun.
"It helped me realise just how many people and specialisms are required to bring a performance to life"Hattie, Student Ambassador
Aradhana said:
I’ve loved dance all my life, and I have adored New Adventures’ work since I first saw Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. For me, the opportunity to meet some of the artists from the company and learn from them first-hand how they have been part of these dazzlingly lush productions was too good to miss.
Following on from the Careers Talk in which New Adventures artists explained and opened up the many possibilities for working in theatre, there was a workshop to learn some of the choreography and movement style of New Adventures, especially The Red Shoes. The workshop involved a quick warm up inspired by Julian Craster, the character of the composer in the show, a series of games surrounding improvising movement and learning some sequences of choreography from The Red Shoes. The artists also described the story in greater detail and helped us contextualise the choreography we were learning within the wider universe of the show.
Having the chance to move and be in the world of the story brought a sense of completion to the conversation that was started earlier in the day about all that it takes to bring a show to life. It was a chance to enter the world of the story, and experience one small part of what goes into creating the completely immersive world of the show. It was a joyous workshop that helped connect the dancing with all the other aspects of the production: choreography, direction, set design, costume design, lighting, projection, music, sound effects and even the marketing for the show. In all, the workshops that New Adventures led were fulfilling and illuminating, and I cannot wait to be back for more.
"I cannot wait to be back for more"Aradhana, Student Ambassador
Take part
Our Creative Engagement programme offers plenty of ways to get involved and connect with theatre. Whether you’re here for fun, community, to get closer to our shows, or to explore new skills for your own creative journey, we’ve got you covered.