Finding A Foothold

Did you know the creative industries in both the UK and US are booming, contributing billions to our economies? Yet, despite this growth, access to arts education is steadily declining. In the UK alone, the creative industries - including video games, advertising, and theatre - contribute around 6% to the country's GDP. These fields offer not just economic opportunities but a chance for creativity, personal growth, and a wide array of careers that go far beyond what happens on stage.

You might ask, how does theatre prepare kids for ‘real’ careers? It's not just about acting; theatre equips children with essential skills like storytelling, teamwork, and  problem-solving—skills that are in high demand across all creative sectors. Many successful professionals in film, digital media, and video game design began their journey in theatre, proving that the lessons learned in this space can open doors to countless possibilities.

Unfortunately, access to arts education is in decline, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In the UK, changes to academic qualifications since 2010 have led to a 37% drop in students taking arts exams, while in the US, budget cuts have hit arts programs in public schools hardest, particularly in low-income areas. While the industry flourishes, the reduction in arts education threatens to leave disadvantaged children behind, robbing them of vital opportunities. The question is: who will shape the creative future if access is limited?”