Join In
Take the Lead is a free employability programme from The Old Vic for students in years 11–13 that uses theatre techniques and creative workshops to build on five core skills: communication, self-management, self-belief, teamwork and problem-solving.
This programme is created in collaboration with schools and businesses and draws on The Old Vic’s expertise as a theatrical institution to support young people to take ownership over their next steps after school, and prepare them for the working world of the future.
Programme Content
Take the Lead includes five main engagements for selected schools:
- Launch Event: a two and a half hour launch event at an Old Vic Partner Venue where students will hear from exciting guest speakers giving insights into a range of different industries and career journeys, as well as network with students from other schools. Past guest speakers have included Inua Ellams, Laura Dockrill, Sabrina Mahfouz and Levi Roots, and leaders from the business industry at Royal Bank of Canada and CVC Foundation
- A visit to a production at The Old Vic: schools will receive free tickets for their groups to see a production at The Old Vic
- Learn Your Part: a two-hour in-school workshop — How do we use our physicality and words to communicate and work with others? Your students will explore the tools that actors develop in the rehearsal room
- Build Your Company: a two-hour in-school workshop — How do we work together, using our own skills and those of our teammates, to create and present an innovative pitch? Your students will form their own theatre company and pitch the next Old Vic production
- Take to the Stage: A two and a half hour workshop at an Old Vic partner venue — How can we practically apply the skills developed on the programme to help prepare us for the working world? Your students will explore how to communicate their skills and strengths when applying for their next steps. They will also practise networking skills, think about how to create their own elevator pitch and take part in mock interviews to help guide and prepare them for future opportunities
Partner schools also benefit from:
- Students will be supported with a Prompt Book — this additional learning resource is an essential guide to the Take the Lead programme with lots of helpful employability tips from theatre and business professionals, and templates to support future career and educational opportunities and interviews. The Prompt Book also includes space to take notes about learnings from the launch event and workshops and will become a useful tool for each participant throughout the programme and beyond
- Teachers will be further supported through an in-person meet and greet and CPD session, and will also be provided with a teaching resource pack
All of this is available for free thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
Programme Dates
Eligibility
How to Apply
Access
Contact Us
In association with
CVC Foundation
Generously supported by
John Lyon’s Charity, The HW Sanderson Art in Industry Fund and Sandra Charitable Trust