The Old Vic Opens OV12 Applications For 2018/19

Applications are now open for the fourth year of The Old Vic 12, The Old Vic's flagship emerging talent programme working to support the next generation of creative talent.

The Old Vic 12 is a group of 12 extraordinary 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 selected 12 will also receive a grant to create and develop three brand new plays to be presented at The Old Vic.

The Old Vic is looking for three directors, three playwrights, three producers and three exciting collaborators from any discipline: designers, composers, DJs, lighting designers, movement directors, illusionists and everything in-between.

As with each opportunity at The Old Vic, we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. New for this year, we are hosting a number of free workshops for OV 12 applicants from underrepresented groups. These workshops have been designed to connect with a wider range of theatre makers. In addition to the main programme, each friendly, informal session will provide an opportunity to improve skills, connect with The Old Vic team and learn more about

the support available. Workshops include:

• Devising with Lucy J Skilbeck (Milk Presents) for LGBTQ+ Artists
• Adaptations with Matthew Xia for People of Colour

• Pitching with Rikki Beadle-Blair for Emerging Artists aged 35+

• Devising with Jesse Jones (The Wardrobe Ensemble) for Disabled Artists

These workshops filled up within a few days of being made available, and we've been thrilled by the response thus far. There are still a few places available. More information available HERE.

The successful applicants will be creatives looking to make a change in their work, whether that's a step up or the support to go in a new direction. Applicants should be creating their own work on the fringe, assisting established practitioners or working at the equivalent level, and feel that they would benefit from a structured year and attachment to an independent producing theatre.

Successful applicants for The Old Vic 12 currently based outside of London will be eligible for support with travel and accommodation. We will also work with them to ensure any access needs are met and that they are able to make the most out of the opportunity.

Opening date for applications: Wed 1 Aug

Closing date for applications: by 12pm Mon 3 Sep

The Old Vic also announces a collaboration with previous OV 12 member, Tobi Kyeremateng and her groundbreaking initiative The Black Ticket Project. The project encourages a more diverse audience to access theatre. More information about the Black Ticket Project is available HERE.

For our upcoming production of SYLVIA we are offering 120 discounted tickets across five preview performances for The Black Ticket Project. Tobi's project will cover the cost via a Patron campaign and give these tickets away for free with 50% of the people who come to see the show being new to Black Ticket Project and The Old Vic.

Commitment to programmes like The Old Vic 12 and The Black Ticket Project demonstrates the theatre's commitment to outreach and inclusivity, and feeds into The Old Vic's integrated artist development strategy. The Old Vic 12 is a platform designed to catapult upcoming talent into the theatre's network. Past Old Vic 12 member and Movement Director Rachel Nanyonjo went on to be the Movement Director on The Old Vic's production of Cover My Tracks; Caitlin McLeod was recently announced as a director on Connect NOW and Paul Jellis is The Old Vic's Bicentenary Producer, overseeing key theatrical events to celebrate the theatre's 200th birthday this year.