The Old Vic 12 Returns For A Fourth Year

Today, The Old Vic announces the collection of artists who will make up this year's Old Vic 12.

Introduced by Artistic Director Matthew Warchus in 2015 The Old Vic 12, now in its fourth year, continues the theatre's commitment to employability, social mobility and inclusion which has permeated its 200-year history.

The Old Vic is London's independent theatre in receipt of no regular public subsidy; every penny needed to produce the work on and off stage has to be raised through ticket sales and donations. Yet, despite this, initiatives to nurture, encourage and inspire creative, local and theatre-going communities remain at the centre of its social mission. The theatre is able to achieve this through the generosity of many individuals, corporate supporters and Trusts & Foundations.

The Old Vic 12 is a group of 12 developing artists ready to take the next step in their careers. The scheme provides opportunities to expand their networks, receive first-class mentoring and benefit from a prestigious association with The Old Vic through an attachment to this iconic producing theatre. The 12 also develop three brand new plays to be presented at The Old Vic.

Matthew Warchus, Artistic Director at The Old Vic said: 'For The Old Vic 12 to now be in its fourth year is testament to the variety of emerging artists looking for practical and collaborative ways to gain insights into the creative industries. I am proud that this vital initiative is something The Old Vic is able to sustain, despite our own lack of public subsidy. It is heartening to have had an overwhelming number of applications this year and we are excited to see what this year's collective will achieve over the next 12 months.'

This year's Old Vic 12 is:

Composer & Sound Designer - Richard Melkonian

Designer - Anna Orton

Directors - Sarah Meadows; Miranda Cromwell; Audrey Sheffield

Movement Director - Natasha Harrison

Producers - Remi Adefeyisan; Steph Weller; Daisy Hale

Writers - Emma Dennis-Edwards; Charlotte Josephine; Urielle Klein-Mekongo