Training programme offers ‘alternative pathway into theatre’

A new two-year training programme will offer a “genuine alternative pathway into theatre” for people from underrepresented backgrounds.

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced details of the free programme for aspiring West London performers, Springboard.

Applicants must be aged 18-25, have little-to-no formal drama training, and come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds or groups underrepresented in theatre.

The programme will start in January, offering 10 chosen trainees a blend of on-and-off-stage learning, including shadowing days across the theatre's departments.

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Emmanuel Kaye Foundation have agreed to co-fund the programme for the next three years, supporting the first cohort of students.