Old Vic New Voices Network Announces '11 TS Eliot US/UK Exchange

The Old Vic announced that applications for The 2011 TS Eliot US/UK Exchange will open on Friday 28th January. The Exchange is a unique programme designed to nurture the best young British and American theatre practitioners. Supported by the T.S. Eliot Estate, The TS Eliot US/UK Exchange offers 21-30 year old artists the opportunity to develop their skills by engaging with the theatre communities on the other side of the Atlantic.

This May, 50 British actors, writers, directors and producers, will travel from London to New York to engage in a week of cultural activity and artistic development, including a showcase at a high profile Manhattan venue. Following the NY Exchange, 50 American artists will travel to London in May to take part in a similar programme at The Old Vic, the historical home of theatrical legends including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, and now under the artistic direction of Kevin Spacey.
Further information and application details are available via www.ideastap.com (for the direct link, go to www.ideastap.com /community/partners/ovnv/usuk or simply click on the Old Vic New Voices logo from the IdeasTap homepage). IdeasTap is a creative online network and funding body for emerging artists which offers members a platform to showcase their work. Deadlines for applications are Friday 18th February.

The TS Eliot US/UK Exchange ran for the first time last year and was a resounding success. Over 700 artists applied with selections made by transatlantic panels of senior industry practitioners. Throughout the week-long Exchange, artists participated in a challenging mix of masterclasses, networking opportunities, rehearsals, meetings with senior industry representatives and theatre trips, as well as having the opportunity to create new work with their peers. Participants also met senior representatives from the host city's major producing organizations: in London, this included The Old Vic, National Theatre, Soho Theatre, the Bush Theatre and Hampstead Theatre; and in New York, this included MTC, Lincoln Center, MCC and New Dramatists.
Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director at The Old Vic said: "The TS Eliot US/UK Exchange shows The Old Vic's dedication to encouraging transatlantic collaboration. Last year's programme was an extraordinary success and we hope to find another 100 very talented young artists to forge lasting creative partnerships across the Atlantic. There is no doubt that relationships created on the Exchange will bear fruit for many years to come."
Steve Winter, Director of Old Vic New Voices at The Old Vic said: "We were thrilled to see the impact that the project had on 2010's participants, widening their creative horizons and instilling a new-found sense of ambition and possibility. Many of these artists are now working transatlantically, and we know the same will hold true for 2011's company."
Since Kevin Spacey became Artistic Director in 2004, The Old Vic has forged close relationships with the artistic community in New York. Old Vic programming has included such American classics as Dennis McIntyre's National Anthems, Eugene O'Neill's A Moon for the Misbegotten and John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation. In 2009, the theatre embarked on The Bridge Project - a three year co-production with Brooklyn Academy Of Music and Neal Street Productions, directed by Sam Mendes. 2011 marks the final year of The Bridge Project, which will see Kevin Spacey take the title role in Richard III. The Old Vic also recently celebrated a theatrical first with The Arden Project - a series of live video-streamed performances, linking work by The Old Vic's emerging artists in New York and London, in a special one-off event.
Quotes from previous participants:
Tai Verley, American actor: "The US/UK Exchange is unlike anything else the Theatre World has to offer."

David Kantounas, British writer: "If I hadn't had this opportunity, I'd only be looking at half of the possibilities I now have as a playwright"

Adam Lenson, British director: "It was a fantastic experience! Fast paced and at times demanding, both physically and intellectually, but also vastly enjoyable."

Alona Fogel, American producer: "The Exchange inspired, challenged and provoked me. Everything I learnt will feed directly into my future practice as a producer."

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