Matthew Bourne's New Adventures Announce Emerging Artist Apprentices

New Adventures has just announced its next two Emerging Artist Apprentices, Hannah Kremer and Perreira Franque.

The Emerging Artist Apprenticeship is a two-year talent development scheme that supports dancers as they transition from professional training to working in the industry, with a particular focus on developing those who are underrepresented. The first level of the programme takes place during the final year of professional training. The dancers are mentored by New Adventures dance artists throughout the year and take part in company classes, residencies as well as dedicated studio time with principal dancers and dance artists. In the second year their development takes place through a performing apprenticeship contract with a New Adventures touring production.

The apprenticeship is led by New Adventures Resident Artist Kerry Biggin who said: "I'm so proud and excited to lead the Emerging Artist Apprenticeship programme. We are providing pathways into the industry and aim to send out inspired artists, confident to forge their way in the sector. We hope to address the imbalance of representation across our industry and opportunities like these feel vital to support and impact the change we want to see. I'm so excited to be part of the dancers' journeys and see what the future holds for them"

Hannah Kremer, currently in her third year at Rambert, and Perreira Franque currently in his last year at Performers College, will both make their professional debuts in Matthew Bourne's "SLEEPING BEAUTY", opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 12 November 2022 ahead of a seven-week Christmas season at Sadler's Wells, London.

Hannah Kremer first performed with New Adventures as part of the local cast in Matthew Bourne's "ROMEO AND JULIET" at Sadler's Wells in August 2019. Since then, she has taken part in Swan School and a number of other residencies within their Talent Development programme.

Perreira Franque's first involvement with New Adventures was through a mock audition day, designed to support second and third years in training with their audition technique and a deeper understanding of the demands of a professional dance company. He then went on to take part in Swan School in 2021.

They follow in the footsteps of the inaugural apprentice, Enrique Ngbokota who is currently wowing audiences on tour in Matthew Bourne's "NUTCRACKER!" as 'Cupid'; having made their professional debut in the role last year. Enrique first worked with New Adventures in "LORD OF THE FLIES". They were also in the local cast of "ROMEO AND JULIET".

Enrique's journey beautifully encapsulates what Matthew Bourne and New Adventures have been championing for so long by providing different opportunities to young dancers and professional dancers. Their path from "LORD OF THE FLIES" to "ROMEO AND JULIET", to Emerging Artist Apprentice and making their professional debut in "NUTCRACKER!" is testament to New Adventures vision.

Throughout the apprenticeship, Hannah and Perreira will be mentored by New Adventures Associate Artist and principal dancer Glenn Graham: "I'm delighted to be mentoring a new generation of dancers because it's something I never had. We hope the programme offers rigor and resilience, helping dancers to connect with company members giving them the opportunity to learn all that touring life and company environment has to offer."

Enrique Ngbokota's and Perreira Franque's apprenticeships are supported by the Archie Lloyd Foundation.

"We are delighted to be supporting the Emerging Artist Apprenticeship Programme. Our involvement with New Adventures over the past four years has enabled us to follow the development of a number of young performers and our sponsorship of Enrique Ngbokota, the inaugural beneficiary of this particular project, has resulted in amazing support for them, their well-being and their development as a young artist. We now look forward to working with our second apprentice, Perreira Franque knowing that he is in very good hands, receiving the best possible mentoring, training and career opportunities."

Hannah Kremer's apprenticeship is supported by Romeo and Juliet Legacy Funds, put in place to continue developing the talent from the 2019 production.

Photo Credit: Johan Persson

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