Half Moon a stepping stone

Half Moon is committed to providing work-based learning placements for young adults. These first opportunities in the industry provide stepping stones to bridge the gap between studying or training and work.

Our relationship with Queen Mary University of London is an example of this work to bring emerging participatory arts practitioners into the theatre for young audiences sector.

In 2014, as we were creating the Stages of Half Moon archive website about the history of the company, we approached QMUL for volunteers to join that project. Two students signed up and became an integral part of delivering that project.

One of them, Rosie, has gone on to work with Half Moon as a freelancer and has since started her primary teacher training, something she may not have considered if she had never been involved with Half Moon.

“I first heard about Half Moon through a module I was studying during my Drama degree called ‘Theatre for The People’,” Rosie explains.

“I then became a volunteer for the archive project, supporting young people to interview actors, directors and writers who had worked with the company.

“Next, I became a volunteer in Solar Youth Theatre (a specialist group for teenagers with disabilities) which led to me becoming a paid Access Worker. I’ve since become a Support Tutor for the company’s Youth Theatres, community sessions and in-school projects.

“Working at Half Moon has always been enriching, nurturing and enjoyable. I’ve gone from being new to facilitation to being supported to develop my own craft and style, which I now share with others to ensure the best experience for young people.”

Two other recent graduates from QMUL have also started their careers in the arts through paid internships (funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation) at Half Moon.

Building on this relationship, we’re about to embark on a new project with QMUL to support postgraduate students to create a film with local young people to understand why university buildings and campuses might be intimidating spaces. They’ll then advise on what they can do to make them more inviting for people who may otherwise feel like university is not for them.

This feels like an important full circle to ensure we’re supporting young people to feel like university is an accessible option for them, as well as continuing to ensure the workplace is accessible to young adults looking for their first steps into the industry.

Beccy Allen is Head of Creative Learning at Half Moon