As part of our package of member benefits, VONNE’s Gold and Silver Membership+ supporters have the opportunity to submit a guest post for our website. This blog from Novo Theatre, tells us about their charity's recent rebrand and their newly revamped development programme supporting freelance theatre makers in the North East.
A newly rebranded Northumberland theatre company has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting North East freelancers with its revamped development programme.
Novo Theatre, formerly known as November Club, has unveiled Novo Talent - continuing the success of the organisation’s former GROW Development Programme - to support and empower freelance theatre makers in the North East.
Offering opportunities for a wide range of freelance creative, producing and production roles, Novo Talent will continue to nurture a diverse and sustainable creative workforce in the region.
Since launching in June 2023, the programme has supported seven freelance beneficiaries with paid contracts, mentoring and training bursaries.
Amy Watts, theatre designer and Novo Talent beneficiary, said: "Novo Talent has helped me sustain a creative career in the North East. Through freelance contracts and a development bursary I have been able to develop my practice and flourish since moving back to the region.”
As well as providing expert support to individuals at all stages of their theatre career, the programme is committed to inspiring the next generation of theatre makers to explore creative careers through school workshops, assemblies and work experience opportunities.
To date, over 3,000 pupils from five Northumberland secondary schools have accessed careers activities highlighting the broad range of careers available in theatre and post-16 progression routes.
Danielle Towers, Head of Sixth Form & Careers Duke’s Secondary School in Ashington, added: “Working closely with Novo Theatre has provided our students with an opportunity to explore career pathways in the creative sector with a particular focus on theatre.
“Being a company situated very close to school has helped to break down barriers that students may have had about careers in this sector being mainly found in large cities. As a result, this has increased the confidence of our students to consider this as a viable career pathway.”
News of the revamped development programme follows the rebrand of the company from November Club to Novo Theatre - a new identity more fitting of its objectives and goals in supporting regional theatre.
CEO and Artistic Director Joe Hufton commented: “Novo Talent is embedded into our programme. The key to its success has been giving freelancers at all stages of their career meaningful contracts and control over their own CPD (continued professional development).
“We want to change perceptions of who can work in theatre, the roles available, and the value placed on creative careers.
“We particularly want to highlight to young people living in Northumberland and the North East that it’s possible to pursue a career in theatre right here, in our wonderful region.”
To find out more about Novo Talent, go to https://www.novotheatre.org.uk/novo-talent.
Image Credits: Novo Theatre