Around 60 school pupils showed off their creative streak at Dundee’s Rep Theatre this week, as part of a “one of a kind” project.
The young people, from various city schools, took part in Enterprise a two-day work experience scheme allowing them to see how a show is put together.
To be selected, the secondary school pupils had to submit a formal written entry and be interviewed as though they were applying for a real-life job.
They were then given roles such as directors, actors, dancers, stage managers, scenic designers, lighting designers, sound designers, costume designers and members of the marketing team.
Working with theatre staff on Thursday and Friday, the pupils brought to life a scene from this year’s Christmas show, The Witches by Roald Dahl, in front of an audience of VIPs, education specialists, industry professionals and family.
Dundee Rep’s education, skills and training facilitator, Heather Cassidy, said: “Enterprise is an ambitiously unique theatre-based project, the only one of its kind in Scotland.
“One of the developments that we are most excited about is that we are now meeting young people in the industry or at college who have gone on to study an arts-based subject because of their involvement in the project.
“So as well as building confidence, developing communication skills, improving employability and getting a taste of life in a working theatre, it is also about opening up career options and allowing young people to see that a career in the creative industries is an inspiring and viable prospect.”
One of the pupils who took part in the project’s marketing workshop was 16-year-old Olivia Nicholson, from St John’s RC High School.
Although she ultimately wants to study law, Olivia said she enjoyed learning about theatre production and advertising.
She added: “We made a radio advert for The Witches and we’re also doing a photoshoot and designing a poster.
“It’s a brilliant experience, I’ve never done anything like this before.
“It was great to see what goes on behind the scenes of a show and not just what’s on the stage.”
Laura Short, from Baldragon Academy, wants to work in costume design and took part in the wardrobe workshops.
She said: “The best thing about the project was seeing how everything comes together and seeing all the costumes.
“It was very useful because that’s what I want to work in.”