NURTURE Appeal

At the heart of The Watermill Theatre’s vision for the future, is our commitment to NURTURE the next generation of theatre makers. We aim to spark creativity, ignite imagination, and deepen curiosity.

We are proud to support emerging artists in our industry and are committed to investing in the future of theatre. This has become a cornerstone of our work, and with your help, we can achieve so much more.

Our hugely varied artistic programme provides a perfect springboard from which emerging creatives can hone their craft. Whether it is mentoring a student in a work placement setting or giving a first job to a drama graduate or an emerging writer, designer, prop maker, director, or stage manager - we are committed to investing in the future of theatre. We aim to open up access to best practice in the industry and support, NURTURE and empower those at the beginning of their career.

 

 

A donation from you will provide many extraordinary development opportunities for emerging theatre-makers in the year ahead. Please see the drop down sections below for examples of how our work can impact and advance careers.

Please join us in our ambition to NURTURE the next generation of amazing theatre makers, by making a donation today. 

Thank you.

 

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Since 2020 Talitha Wing, a former Watermill youth theatre member, drama school graduate and emerging writer has been receiving support and guidance from experienced professionals through our Playwright in Residence scheme.
 
Talitha said: “The Watermill’s Playwright in Residence scheme offers support to budding writers, and a safe space to bounce ideas around and get feedback. We also have workshops and Q&A’s with other writers, directors and creatives who share their valuable knowledge with us.
 
Being a Playwright in Residence has really helped me to develop my one woman show, ‘She Calls Me Crazy’ and last year I was commissioned to write the Community Play for The Watermill’s Outreach Department which was a super exciting and fun experience!

The Watermill has always been a creative home for me, and the connection I share with the theatre and the people who work there is very special.”

 
Our Creative Associate Scheme, launched in late 2019, was set up to support emerging artists.
 
The network provides a safe space in which creatives can connect, share, develop skills and gain valuable industry insights. Tailored mentorship with industry professionals is provided and members are given opportunities to work on Watermill productions and support our Outreach teams with community projects.
 
Robert Kirby, a talented Director, has progressed through working on various projects with us, from assisting Artistic Director Paul Hart on Watermill Ensemble shows such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2018) and Macbeth (2019), to leading as Director on The Watermill’s hugely successful recent production of Brief Encounter. 
 
He said: “The Watermill’s Creative Associate Scheme has been beyond instrumental in my growth as an emerging creative. It has provided an unparalleled haven of creative safety, nurture and challenge in which to learn, take calculated creative risks and develop practice. It has, and continues to have, a tangible impact on my outlook on what it is to create, plan and expand on work in theatre.”

 

We seek to discover and support emerging actors and actor-musicians by collaborating with drama schools, sitting on panels in mock audition workshops, and providing open casting opportunities.

We are passionate about offering the first step on the ladder for emerging actors and providing opportunities for talented graduates to perform on our main stage.

In Summer 2021, we were thrilled to offer roles to Kemi Clarke and Laura Andresen Guimarães in our vibrant family musical Just So, a semi-staged concert production in The Watermill gardens. This production marked the professional debut for both young actors.

Kemi trained at Rose-Bruford College as an Actor-Musician, graduating in 2021.

Kemi said: “My experience at The Watermill was one that I am incomprehensibly grateful for and will never forget. As a new drama school graduate, they trusted me and gave me a golden opportunity which has launched me further into my career as an actor.

The entire duration of my time with The Watermill was remarkable and I cannot thank them enough for kickstarting my dreams.”

Laura graduated from the Actor-Musician course at Guildford School of Acting and also trained at Tring Park Performing Arts and The National Youth Choir.

Laura said: “The Watermill Theatre placed its trust in me as a recent graduate, and provided me with a rare springboard from a student to a working professional in a matter of weeks.

My experience working there was exhilarating and invaluable, and I learned so very much. I feel very proud to have worked there.”