We have been running a yearlong training course for six St.Helens locals to develop their capacity as emerging theatre-makers to deliver high-quality performance work outside of theatre buildings, and in particular in libraries.
The pilot programme which is now coming to an end, offered one-to-one mentoring and support from members of the Collective Encounters’ team, access to high quality industry theatre training courses, work placements with established arts organisations in the North West, a budget to attend live performances events, 100 hours of formal professional development and a budget for them to realise their own performances in St.Helens.
As a finale to the programme, the trainees put together a one-day festival of new work.  The festival, which took place on Saturday 29th November 2014 at St.Helens Central Library, presented performances exploring issues as broad as social media, social expectation and influences and intergenerational storytelling.
Here are a selection of images from the festival, which was well received.
