Theatr Clwyd launches national initiative Stiwdio Clwyd
- Alan Hulme
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Mold's Theatr Clwyd has launched Stiwdio Clwyd, a national artist development initiative to support theatre-makers across Wales.
The programme will deliver ambitious professional development for artistic practice, technical skills and innovation, with significant funding that will enable artists and freelancers to participate.
The opening programme includes the involvement of playwright and TV director Russell T Davies, actor Rakie Ayola and Royal Shakespeare Company co-director Daniel Evans, as well as partnerships with major institutions including the National Theatre and Manchester's Factory International; it will combine live and digital events to bring theatre-makers together across disciplines.
Launch events include: Tearing the Roof Off – a paid programme for mid-career designers, producers, directors and writers to create large-scale work through residencies, placements, workshops and mentoring; Sparks - which allows artists paid time and space to reflect and deepen their practice, mentored by industry-leading figures; Inspire - a series of comprehensive interviews with arts leaders including Daniel Evans (RSC), actors Rakie Ayola and director Jon Gilchrist MBE, with Sian Lloyd (BBC);
Write With… (with the Sherman Theatre) – a communal online space for writers to explore their practice and develop resilience and accountability. Guest
speakers include Russell T Davies and Sian Owen, and
Gair i Gall - a Welsh-language writers and directors scheme to develop scripts from early ideas to large-scale productions.
These flagship programmes will sit alongside placements, mentorship networks, online masterclasses and the expansion of Theatr Clwyd’s local artist network.
Stiwdio Clwyd’s director Suzanne Bell said: “The inspirational conversations we’ve had with theatre-makers has led us to curate an eclectic
platform for continued artistic growth.”
Theatr Clwyd artistic director Kate Wasserberg said: “Stiwdio Clwyd is a long-held ambition of both Theatr Clwyd and the Welsh theatre sector. It will make generational change, open new horizons for Welsh artists and ensure our theatre-makers grow and help to cultivate vibrant, outward-looking, ambitious art in Wales”
*Stiwdio Clwyd is funded by Theatr Clwyd, Arts Council Wales, the John Ellerman Foundation, Cameron Mackintosh Foundation, The Noel Coward Trust and StageOne. Current partners include Sherman Theatre, Theatr Cymru, Frân Wen, Loyalty Arts, the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Wales Millennium Centre, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Creu Cymru and RCTC.
More info here