Get a head start in a career in the arts...

I often get asked about job opportunities at the Coliseum and how people can improve their chances of getting a job in the theatre industry. The simple answer is that it’s not easy as it’s such a sought after industry to work in. However, there are an awful lot of opportunities out there that will boost your experience of theatre, or better understand the different roles that work in theatre such as the stage manager, press officer or director etc.

Here at the Coliseum we provide Pathways - a careers service which helps young people find pathways into a job in the arts. The service offers mentoring from professionals already working in the theatre and is overseen by our Creative Development Officer. Talking to and gaining advice from industry professionals is one of the best ways to find out more about an industry that you want to work in– whatever industry that may be. So far the group have had sessions with actor Andonis Anthony who you may recognise as our King Rat from Dick Whittington, director Joyce Branagh who is a regular at the Coliseum, her most recent productions here include The Sunshine Boys, Satin and Steel. They have also had a session from a casting director who works on Coronation Street and theatre designer Foxton who’s design skills can be seen in our current production Dumb Show at the Grange.

In July we are organising a pathways careers conference at the Grange Arts Centre called YouLEAD. This event will provide advice and support for people aged 14 – 25 years looking for work in the creative arts. The event will help young people in the borough learn how to engage, work and create a pathway in to theatre and related industries and also look further into what opportunities Oldham has to offer them.

From 5pm – 6pm there will be a networking event where attendees can talk to key people working in the arts in Greater Manchester, make contacts, pick up advice and maybe even a few freebies. Then there will be a series of talks from Oldham organisations including Theatre Workshop, the College, the Sixth Form College and the Youth Council.

This is a fantastic chance for anyone wanting to get a head start in their career. YouLEAD is on Wednesday 18 July at the Grange Arts Centre with networking from 5:00pm – 6:00pm and the event begins at 6:00pm. If you are interested or know someone who is and would like some more information or would just like to book your ticket then contact Paul Adams on pauladams@coliseum.org.uk. The event is completely free and certainly worth a look.

See you out and about

Kevin Shaw
Artistic Director