Birmingham Hippodrome is proud to be partnering with New Earth Theatre to bring their flagship Academy programme to the Midlands. The only course of its kind in the UK, New Earth Academy provides free, specialist training and opportunities for British East and South East Asians (BESEA) aged 18+ who are interested in developing their skills and engagement in the performing arts.

New Earth Theatre is also partnering with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Acting, with support from the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry for the exciting programme.

Initially a week-long acting summer school, the Academy has grown over its 12 years to encompass a range of disciplines and locations. This year, between May and July, New Earth Theatre is providing academies online in writing, performing, and technical theatre for participants in the Midlands. This will be the fourth year of running the Academy in the Midlands and last year saw the addition of a writers course facilitated by Coventry based writer Sayan Kent. Sayan will continue to run the writers course this year alongside a performers course with tutors from New Earth and the Conservatoire.

Kumiko Mendl Artistic Director New Earth Theatre said today,  ‘I’m really proud that the Academy continues to grow from strength to strength with new partners supporting us across the country and the addition of our first Off Stage Academy. The courses not only provide skills development and pathways into the industry but more crucially creative connections and networks for BESEA artists which, as we emerge from the pandemic, feels more important than ever’.

Chris Sudworth, Director of Artistic Programme Birmingham Hippodrome said “We’re delighted that Birmingham Hippodrome can partner with New Earth Theatre again, having supported the Academy in the Midlands since the outset. We look forward to seeing and celebrating the artists and their work, and championing British East and South East Asian talent.

Applications are currently open for all courses for British East and Southeast Asians* aged 18+ who have an interest in the performing arts, writing and/or technical theatre (they may already be working in the arts but have little to no formal training). For full information and to apply, please visit the New Earth website.

Application deadline is 5pm Tuesday 27 April  2021.