The Old Vic 12 Selected

The Old Vic is today thrilled to announce The Old Vic 12 as Designer Sarah Beaton; Directors Zoe Lafferty, Caitlin McLeod and Edward Stambollouian; Choreographer Lanre Malaolu; Composer Harry Blake; Playwrights Samuel Bailey, Sonali Bhattacharyya and Steven Hevey; Producers Sarah Georgeson, Paul Jellis and Martha Rose Wilson.

Since launching earlier this year, The Old Vic received over 1300 applications from emerging directors, writers, producers, designers, composers and choreographers, to be selected as one of The Old Vic 12, a brand new scheme aiming to support 12 theatre artists' career development.

Over 250 applicants were invited to interview with Old Vic New Voices, with final selections made by Artistic Director of The Old Vic, Matthew Warchus and his team.

Speaking about The Old Vic 12, Matthew Warchus said:

"The selected 12 artists who will take part in our new programme, The Old Vic 12, are exceptionally talented people who we hope will benefit from the vitality and creativity of this unique theatre. We are excited to have them participate in the new season and to offer our assistance as they develop their practice in proximity to the great artists we have involved here at The Old Vic. Our aim is to nurture a new generation of theatre artists and we are grateful for the visionary financial support of Peter De Haan which has made The Old Vic 12 possible.'

Of the interview process, Director of Old Vic New Voices, Alexander Ferris said:

"The substantial interview process for The Old Vic 12 was a wonderful opportunity to meet with so many inspiring, emerging artists. The sheer level of talent that is currently out there is massively encouraging. This process opened up The Old Vic to hundreds of creative individuals and I hope we can nurture these connections to ensure we continue reaching out to fantastic talent. We've selected an exceptional group of individuals to take part in the first Old Vic 12. With this scheme, we hope to support them to develop their skills and explore new creative heights in the surrounds of this buzzing historic theatre."

Throughout the coming year, The Old Vic 12 will be individually mentored by Alexander Ferris, in addition to receiving a mentor specific to their discipline. The mentors, all industry experts in their field, include: Tara Wilkinson (General Manager of The Old Vic), Georgia Gatti (Creative Producer of The Old Vic), Max Webster (Baylis Director), Rob Howell (Associate Artist of The Old Vic), Grant Olding (Jekyll and Hyde Composer), Drew McOnie (Associate Artist of The Old Vic).

The Old Vic 12 will gain paid experience in the theatre, both individually and as a group. They will be encouraged to share their learning through a series of 12 masterclasses aimed at artists at the very beginning of their careers. Nearing the end of programme, three brand new pieces of work will be created and then presented by the participants in Spring 2016 to an invited industry audience.

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