Earlier this month, Norwich Theatre partnered with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce through its Co.next programme to bring young professionals a Masterclass on Public Speaking to the Norwich Theatre Playhouse.
The masterclass taught participants how to connect with their voice, gain confidence in public speaking, present their work effectively, overcoming fear, body language, vocal range, and breathing techniques.
Joseph Arkley, a professional screen and stage Actor, led the workshop. Recent TV credits include The Capture and Wreck (both for the BBC). Throughout his career, he has given Keynote speeches and facilitated workshops for Arts organisations and businesses both domestically and abroad.
Amy Falla, one of Norwich Theatre’s Young Cultural Leaders who attended the event, said: “I found the workshop really engaging and came away feeling prepared and full of courage to take up more public speaking opportunities. Thanks to Joe, who led the sessions, he was an amazing guide and created a supportive space for us all to develop our confidence and skills in public speaking. It was useful the workshop was hosted at the Playhouse, as the venue provided the opportunity for us to speak on the stage and envisage what it would be like to speak to a large audience.”
Caroline Ellis, Account Manager and Co.next Lead at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “I had the pleasure of spending time on stage at Norwich Theatre Playhouse with 18 other professionals stepping outside our comfort zones and learning new techniques to help us with public speaking.
“Thank you, Norwich Theatre, for making this event happen and supporting Co.next – Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and allowing us to use this iconic venue. Well done to everyone who attended; it was so lovely to see everyone have the opportunity to speak on stage – you guys smashed it!”
Lauren Farley, Business Development Manager at Norwich Theatre, said: “This event was an absolute pleasure to bring together. This allowed me to broaden our relationship with Norfolk Chambers, allowing our audiences to crossover and work more closely together, which is such a positive outcome of these events.
“Second, I am also proud to be a member of the Co.Next Board, a programme that provides young professionals with the opportunity to develop and learn new skills, helping them broaden their professional knowledge and understanding, which they can take into the workplace.
“I look forward to working more closely with the Co.next programme on many events in the future.”
This is the start of the growing partnership between the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce’s Co.next programme and Norwich Theatre, which will provide more opportunities for young professionals and Norwich Theatre’s Young Cultural Leaders.
Norwich Theatre’s Young Cultural Leaders is a free programme that is designed to give young people between 18 and 30 the chance to gain practical skills and learn how to help shape and define leadership. Recruiting for the 24/25 cohort will start in summer 2024.
The Young Cultural Leaders is one of the five groups that make up the Creative Assembly, a collaborative approach to creative leadership that involves audiences, participants, artists, stakeholders, communities and partners that represent the make-up of the theatre’s region to co-deliver Norwich Theatre’s Creative Experiences Strategy.