Overview

Aiyana’s journey with The Old Vic is a strong example of how an initial insight opportunity can open the door to further progression, giving care-experienced young people the chance to explore a sector, build confidence and move into meaningful employment experience.

Through Drive Forward Foundation’s partnership with The Old Vic, Aiyana first attended a Theatre Insight Workshop during National Careers Week. Following the workshop, she was selected to progress onto The Old Vic’s Front Line programme, giving her the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience within a live theatre environment.

Starting with an Insight Opportunity

Aiyana initially took part in The Old Vic’s Theatre Insight Workshop during National Careers Week. The workshop provided an opportunity to look behind the scenes of a working theatre and explore the wide range of careers involved in creating and delivering a live theatre experience.

As well as learning more about the different roles within the theatre, Aiyana was able to explore customer-facing careers and develop her understanding of the skills and behaviours needed to work in a professional environment.

The workshop provided an accessible first step into the sector, allowing Aiyana to build her confidence, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the opportunities available to her.

Progressing to Front Line

Following her participation in the workshop, Aiyana was selected to progress onto The Old Vic’s Front Line programme.

The paid programme provides young people with practical experience as part of The Old Vic’s Front of House team, supporting them to develop confidence, customer service skills and transferable workplace experience within a professional theatre environment.

During the programme, Aiyana gained experience across a range of front-facing and hospitality-based roles, including:

• Ushering
• Café support
• Stage Door
• Box Office
• E&C Schools Club

This gave Aiyana the opportunity to experience different aspects of working in a busy theatre environment and develop a broad range of skills, from communication and customer service to teamwork, professionalism and working confidently with members of the public.

From Insight to Opportunity

Aiyana’s progression demonstrates the value of creating clear pathways from early careers insight into practical experience.

What began as a one-off workshop gave Aiyana the opportunity to discover a new sector and understand the different careers available to her. This then led to a paid opportunity where she could put those skills into practice and gain valuable experience in a real workplace.

For care-experienced young people, opportunities like these can be particularly valuable in building confidence, expanding professional networks and helping them see themselves in careers they may not previously have considered.

The Impact

Aiyana’s experience with The Old Vic has supported her to take an important next step in her career journey, moving from exploring the world of theatre to actively gaining experience within it.

Her progression highlights what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to explore a sector in an accessible way, followed by the right support and a clear route into further experience.

We are incredibly proud to see Aiyana progress from the Theatre Insight Workshop onto the Front Line programme and would like to thank The Old Vic for continuing to create meaningful, inclusive opportunities for care-experienced young people.