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Introducing LAUNCH Academy

We’re working in partnership with the Unity Theatre, to bring you LAUNCH – a brand new professional development programme for emerging theatre makers in Merseyside.

Funded by Arts Council England, its main mission is to equip emerging artists, theatre-makers and brand new companies with the right tools to enable them to launch a career in the arts.

We’ve championed diversity in the arts since 2006, and will continue our aim to tackle the under-representation of working class and culturally diverse artists by offering the professional development programme entirely free of charge.

Co-Artistic Director Keith Saha says:

“There are so many exciting practitioners out there ready to make the next leap in their careers,but not always getting the support that they need. 20 Stories High want to help them launchthemselves, not just locally, but also nationally and internationally.

 “And we’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Unity Theatre to deliver LAUNCH, an organisation that have a fantastic history of developing artists and companies in Liverpool.”

Anita Welsh, 20 Stories High Board member and an ex 20 Stories High Youth Theatre member says:

“I never believed theatre was for me so I thought I’d feel out of place in a theatre company. But 20 Stories High redefined my definition of what theatre was – I’m so grateful for the vital role the company has played in my growth as an artist.

“The opportunities that they have provided young people across Merseyside and the rest of U.K. over the past 12 years are second to none. I’m made up that a whole new generation of young emerging theatre makers, will get access to the incredible training opportunities I did through LAUNCH.”


 What is LAUNCH?

LAUNCH has three strands:

LAUNCH ACADEMY – Make your own future

September 2018 onwards

The core of LAUNCH, the academy is a 6 month series of evening workshops in everything from finance to marketing to developing and producing your own project.

LAUNCH PROJECTS – Do your own thing

January 2019 onwards

Participants in the Academy will get a chance to submit their project ideas to be commissioned. The successful applicants will then get a chance to see their project realised.

LAUNCH TRAINEES – Sharpen your skills

Emerging professionals can get a chance to sharpen their skills in paid trainee roles in areas such as directing, producing or designing.


To apply, download an application pack HERE.

…or pick one up from the Unity Box office.

The application deadline is Friday 29 June, interviews will be held on Wednesday 18 July and LAUNCH Academy will start on Wednesday 5 September.

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