Academy Plus
We’ve been collecting feedback from academy alumni and BESEA communities by hosting listening sessions with BESEA communities and community consultation to understand the challenges and obstacles people are facing in the theatre industry and how we can improve our artist development programmes to further support BESEA artists.
New Earth Academy has offered introductory courses to performing, writing, theatre making and technical theatre to over 300 alumni. After taking academy courses, many alumni are keen to future pursue their career in theatre but feel there’s a gap between introductory courses and career opportunities, and there are few artist development programmes specifically aimed at BESEAs.
In response to the need of BESEA creative communities, this year we are launching our new New Earth Academy Plus programme which aims to bridge the gap between introductory courses and professional opportunities to prepare BESEA artists and creatives to move to the next stage of their careers by offering deeper engagement opportunities tailored to BESEA artists and creatives.
We are offering four New Earth Academy Plus programmes including:
- Writers Academy Plus - UK Online
- Theatre Makers Academy Plus - Salford & Greater Manchester
- Performers Academy Plus - London
Applications have now closed. Follow us on social media for news on the academy, opportunities and upcoming productions.
Writers Academy Plus
New Earth Writers Academy Plus is designed for early career BESEA writers who have drafted at least one full-length play. Selected writers will gain technique and strategies to develop their writing craft and voice, and will have access to professional resources as they cultivate their emergent careers. Moreover, this small cohort of writers will form a peer group positioned to provide ongoing, mutual support beyond the programme.
The New Earth Writers Academy Plus programme includes group writing sessions and individual meetings with the programme leader - as well as guest workshops with dramaturgs and other leading theatre pros in the new writing arena. The programme leader this inaugural year is Mia Chung.
UK Online
Programme Dates: May - August 2023
Programme Leader: Mia Chung
Location: Zoom
Theatre Makers Academy Plus
New Earth Theatre Makers Academy Plus - Salford & Greater Manchester is a new development programme for North West-based East Asian and South East Asian performers and theatre makers based in the North West of England looking to take their learning to the next step, develop their artistic practice and processes, and take their project from idea to stage.
After 3 successful years running New Earth Academy in the North West, we now have an alumni network of over 50 ESEA Writers, Performers and Theatre Makers and a local ESEA peer support network and community - Horizons Collective.
New Earth Theatre Makers Academy Plus - Salford & Greater Manchester offers 8 monthly masterclasses with leading practitioners and one-to-one office hours with venue partners. After the masterclasses, participants will have the chance to submit proposals to The Lowry Scratch Nights, receive seed funding for future development of your work, pitch your show to partner venues and explore creative pathways.
Supported by The Lowry, Salford, HOME Manchester, Z-arts, The Royal Exchange Theatre, Factory International and Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme.
Salford & Greater Manchester
Course Dates: May - December 2023
Guest Artists: Various
Location: The Lowry/Hybrid
Performers Academy Plus
New Earth Performers Academy Plus is a 2-week intensive course for BESEAs who have some performing/acting experiences already and are looking to move to the next stage of their careers.
Students will train in person with course directors, voice and movement tutors and additional guest workshops, specialist talks and panels. There will also be lunchtime industry talks and the course will finish with a showcase for an invited audience with industry professionals.
London
Course Dates: Monday 17 July - Friday 21 July & Monday 24 July - Friday 28 July 2023
Course Leader: Broderick Chow
Location: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama