Here at the Royal Court we have started a 6 month mentoring programme along with Boisterous, a black-led initiative to help address the fact there was a lack of talent development for people from Black, Asian and minority communities across the city region. We support Boisterous as they continue to produce work for our main auditorium as well as the studio, leading projects to help the development of new and existing talent within the cultural sector.
With this programme we aim to support individuals from the Black, Asian and minority groups in gaining insight into the creative industry both on and behind stage. We want to create supportive learning relationships that share knowledge, experience and wisdom to assist and enrich professional development.
The mentoring project covers all aspects of theatre including writing, performing producing and marketing with experienced mentors being partnered with mentees who are trying to break into the profession.
A few times the Mentors and Mentees get together for a dinner followed by a trip to see a show here in our theatre. Recently they had dinner at our Courtyard Bar and Kitchen then came to watch ‘The Royal’. The dinner is a great opportunity for all of them to meet in a relaxed and social environment where they can catch up and share experiences with each other.
Some words from individuals on the programme:
‘The programme is more or less over the half way stage and I feel I’m just getting started so I hope the programme will be extended’
‘I have gained so much support and knowledge from my mentor and I hope this relationship goes from strength to strength’
‘I feel so fortunate to be on this programme the mentor has given me so much support and guidance through this process and the training I have received is invaluable’
‘Great idea to be able to watch all the shows at the Liverpool Royal Court’
‘Sharing my knowledge with the mentees has been brilliant they have taken on board all the support we are able to give and we have built up a great rapport and relationship’
When the initial project is finished it is hoped that the mentees will still be able to call upon their mentors for help and advice in the future. As they develop perhaps they can go on to become mentors themselves.