Arena Theatre Youth Board

The Arena Theatre are seeking seven young people (aged 14-21) to become members of their Arena Theatre Youth Board for 2024!

Youth Board members will be ambassadors for their local community and will be involved in the decision-making of the venue, shaping the work of the Arena Theatre so it continues to have relevance and appeal, and that the needs of young people come first.

The Arena Theatre is an intimate, 150-seat small-scale theatre in the heart of Wolverhampton which provides innovative experiences for everyone. Supported by the University of Wolverhampton and Arts Council England, the Arena programmes in excess of 200 events per year alongside providing support for developing artists, and running on-stage and off-stage programmes to nurture passion for the Creative Industries amongst young people. The theatre is renowned nationally for its reputation for accessibility, and its support for d/Deaf and disabled artists.

The Arena Theatre Youth Board will provide young people with an insight into the work the Arena Theatre carries out, and will nurture a safe space where board members can feedback and contribute to the organisation's wider work.

With a rapidly growing programme of activity in education and widening participation in particular, the Youth Board will ensure that this strand of work continues to remain relevant to Wolverhampton. As well as highlighting and contributing to the work and outputs of the Arena Theatre, Youth Board members will also raise awareness for arts opportunities in the community for young people, ensuring the longevity of the Creative Industries across the local region.

The Arena Theatre Youth Board will provide an important voice both in our organisation and the wider community, ensuring arts opportunities are available to all. In return, the Arena Theatre offers the following for members to build both their skills and networks for future aspirations:

• Mentorship and guidance from specialists in the Arena Theatre team.
• Networking opportunities - members will have access to the artist development programme, and those who participate in it, at the Arena Theatre.
• Collaboration. Members will have opportunity to showcase their own talents and creativity, becoming involved in in-house produced and touring performances at the Arena Theatre in various capacities.
• Arts Award qualifications, if applicable. Members of the Arena Theatre team are trained in Discover, Explore, Bronze, Silver and Gold. These are nationally recognised qualifications that can contribute to further and higher education applications. Members of the Arena team can support on these qualifications where appropriate.
• Future careers planning and guidance.
• Work experience opportunities.
• Development of leadership skills: communication, collaboration, decision-making, relationship building, creativity.
• Opportunity to attend events on behalf of the Arena Theatre, and attend Arena Theatre Advisory Boards to feedback on the organisation's work.
• Complimentary tickets to Arena Theatre performances.

The Arena Theatre Youth Board will meet quarterly each half-term, with the first meeting scheduled for March 2024.

Applications are now OPEN for young people (aged 14-21) to apply!

To apply, please tell us - in no more than 500 words or a short five-minute video or audio recording - why you are interested in the Arena Theatre Youth Board and what skills you feel you can bring. Please send this to Education and Outreach Manager, Sam Fleming, by e-mailing Sam.Fleming@wlv.ac.uk by Monday 5th February 2024 at 5.00pm

This opportunity is open to all 14-21 year olds regardless of experience in the performing arts, ethnicity or gender.

We look forward to hearing from you!