Local director Olly Webb, 21, has now joined Prime Theatre on a three-month placement.
Olly will work alongside experienced theatre professionals gaining an invaluable insight into the work of a theatre director and developing his own career opportunities at the same time.
Olly is going to be involved with a variety of projects during his new placement, from helping develop professional touring production, youth theatre and school projects as well as shadowing Mark Powell, Artistic Director.
Olly said, “I am incredibly excited to start this wonderful opportunity. The team at Prime Theatre show how much Swindon has to offer. Working with them for these months is really going to help further my career in what can be a famously unpredictable industry.”
Olly is based in Purton and comes from a farming background, he worked with a number of dramatic societies creating theatre but after being diagnosed with dysgraphia decided against the university route, instead going into the world of work and doing as much theatre as possible as a director, actor, designer and technician.
Sue Emmas, RTYDS Artistic Director said “Through professional placements, RTYDS creates pathways for talented directors from under-represented backgrounds to learn their craft, build networks and take the first step towards a career as a professional theatre director. Directors should reflective of the diversity of our towns and cities and RTYDS is working towards making this a reality in Swindon.”
The Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme (RTYDS) was founded in 1960 by Howard Thomas, then Managing Director at ABC Television (subsequently part of Thames Television), to support aspiring theatre directors. It was his belief that television has a debt to live theatre for its supply of creative talent.
