Norwich Theatre’s Creative Intent strategy is being put into action in new ways through a major new partnership with National Theatre, creating unparalleled opportunities for thousands of young people to develop skills, shape creative projects, and explore future careers.
As one of just 12 partner organisations across England, and being the East of England partner, National Theatre Nationwide recognises Norwich Theatre’s growing role as a civic anchor institution, connecting national investment with local knowledge and relationships to drive economic, social and cultural outcomes.
Norwich Theatre is delighted to commit to National Theatre Nationwide because it closely aligns with key ambitions set out in its Creative Intent strategy. Working with schools and cultural partners, Norwich Theatre will act as an East of England regional connector, ensuring opportunities reach young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Creative careers and skills development are a new key priority in Norwich Theatre’s six-year strategy. National Theatre Nationwide provides an immediate opportunity to create more pathways into learning, skills development and employment for young people, helping address some of the barriers that contribute to young people becoming disconnected from education, employment or training.
A defining principle of Norwich Theatre’s strategy is that communities should help shape the creative opportunities available to them. Young people from the East of England will also have a say in shaping the programme, with a new Nationwide Youth Council giving them a voice to reflect their experiences, ambitions and hopes for the future, delivering Creative Intent’s commitment to co-creation and community voice, and ensuring local voices are heard within a national movement.
Targeted subsidised tickets to those facing the biggest barriers will give young people in the East of England the chance to see world-class National Theatre productions at Norwich Theatre venues, offering a potential first experience of theatre.
At the project launch event, the Culture Secretary announced that up to £15 million from the Every Child Can programme will support National Theatre to work with The National Lottery Community Fund and regional theatres across England.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said: “I am tired of being told that not everybody can or should have access to the best of what this country has to offer. Arts and culture gives the chance to live a richer, larger life and that chance should be afforded to every young person.
“Experiencing the joy of theatre shouldn’t be restricted to only those who can afford it or who were born in the right postcode. This programme takes the very best of the National Theatre and brings it to the doorsteps of our young people across the country, many for the first time ever, to help them find their spark, expand their horizons and encourage them to see a creative future for themselves.”
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre, said: “Creative Intent sets out our ambition to use creativity as a force for opportunity, connection and positive change. National Theatre Nationwide gives us an extraordinary opportunity to turn that ambition into action alongside young people and partners across the East of England.
“As a trusted civic anchor institution, Norwich Theatre sits at the heart of a network of schools, community organisations, employers and cultural partners across the region. By connecting that local knowledge and ambition with the scale and reach of National Theatre, we can create pathways into skills, confidence and careers for thousands more young people, helping ensure that where someone lives never determines what they can achieve.”
Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive of National Theatre, Kate Varah said: “National Theatre Nationwide turns this groundbreaking government investment into practical opportunities for young people in every region: be that a seat at a major production offering a first experience of theatre, seeing a schools show that unlocks their learning potential, the chance to write or make a show themselves or discover a hands-on career behind the scenes.
“Theatre has the power to spark imagination, build confidence and bring people together. Working with our 12 partners theatres across every English region, and they with local organisations in turn, means we can build something lasting, shaped by local communities and young people themselves. This is about more than finding the next generation of theatre-makers. It is about giving 100,000 young people the chance to discover what they enjoy, what they are good at, and where their creativity could take them. This is an investment in their futures, in the future of our sector and of our country.”
Norwich Theatre is a founding member of Regional Independent Theatre Alliance (RITA) and is delighted that the other four founding members – Leeds Heritage Theatres, the Marlowe Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal, and Birmingham Hippodrome – are also part of National Theatre Nationwide.