Chelmsford Theatre supports young people to explore careers in the arts

Chelmsford Theatre has joined up with local partners to bring opportunities to young people to discover careers in the arts.

This month, the theatre welcomed 212 pupils from local schools for the return of Vibrant Voices, while back in February, Hylands School students enjoyed a trip to the theatre as part of Essex County Council’s Open Doors initiative.

Chelmsford Theatre welcomed students from local schools in recent weeks, to see what it's like to work in the performing arts.

Both sessions helped students to develop their creative sides and explore what it’s like to work in a theatre setting.

Hylands School students discover theatre careers through Open Doors programme

In February, the theatre welcomed students from Hylands School for an Open Doors workplace visit. Supported by the Greater Essex Careers Hub and funded by Essex County Council through their Inclusive Growth Programme, Open Doors is designed to provide secondary school pupils with the chance to explore various career paths and experience different work environments.

Led by the theatre’s Creative Engagement Officer, Megan Crisp, the day started with a full tour of the theatre for Hylands School pupils, including behind-the-scenes spaces such as backstage, the green room and the lighting technician booth. Megan spoke to the group about what it’s like to work in a theatre and the many different careers available in the arts beyond performing on stage – from lighting technician to programme manager.

Into the afternoon, the students explored the world of marketing through group activities, before enjoying a Q&A session with Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, on what it’s like to run a theatre. Corporate and Membership Manager, Paul O’Sullivan, also shared his insights into a career in marketing.

Students worked together in groups to think about why effective marketing is so important for a theatre.

Councillor Simon Goldman, who joined Hylands School for the session, says the theatre’s participation in Open Doors helps provide a valuable insight into the real working world for young people:

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“I was delighted to join Hylands School for their Open Doors day at Chelmsford Theatre. Visits such as these provide valuable real-world examples of work environments for young people to learn more about and consider as a pathway for them to take after education.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s professionals and by showcasing what a career in the performing arts can look like, Chelmsford Theatre is not only supporting these students to explore their future career paths, but also building a secure future for our arts industry.”

Councillor Simon Goldman, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Property

Carly Smith from the Greater Essex Careers Hub added:

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“Chelmsford Theatre has created a brilliant opportunity for young people to see the wide range of careers that exist within the arts by opening their doors and giving students real insight into roles they may never have considered. We’re proud to support employers like Chelmsford Theatre who are committed to inspiring the next generation, and we’re keen to work with even more employers across Greater Essex to create experiences just like this.”

Carly Smith, Operational Hub Lead, Greater Essex Careers Hub

Vibrant Voices returns with evening of live performances by young people

Chelmsford Theatre’s second annual Vibrant Voices event took place this month.  It saw the theatre work with local secondary schools and Essex Music Services to give creative young people a chance to perform live on stage to a real audience and see what it’s like to work in a real theatre setting.

This year saw the programme expand, with pupils from Helena Romanes School and Beaulieu Park School taking part for the first time. Six more schools also returned for their second year: St John Payne, The Boswells School, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Thriftwood College, Brentwood School and Chelmer Valley High School.

Students from Chelmer Valley High School and Beaulieu Park School performing on stage.

Each school group gave a short performance of a piece of music or drama to a live audience of friends and family. This year’s performances included a Symphony Orchestra from Chelmsford County High School, an extract from Animal Farm by The Boswells School and a short performance of Teechers by Helena Romanes School.

Thriftwood College and Beaulieu Park School presented choir performances, while Chelmer Valley High School, Brentwood School and St John Payne performed extracts from Drama Club, The Cover Up and Mary Poppins Jr.

In addition to presentations from local schools, Essex youth band, ‘Pin Drop’, also gave a lively performance of classic rock and modern music covers.

Megan Crisp congratulated this year’s Vibrant Voices cohort:

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“I would like to give a huge thanks and congratulations to all the young people who performed at our second annual Vibrant Voices event. It takes enormous courage to stand on a stage in front of 500 people and perform, and I am honoured to have put on this event for them to do so.

“As Vibrant Voices grows, we are reminded of how important these platforms are. At Chelmsford Theatre we are proudly committed to creating moments like this for young people to connect with the arts, unlock their creativity and showcase their talent.”

Megan Crisp, Creative Engagement Officer, Chelmsford Theatre

Reflecting on their first Vibrant Voices event, Teacher Cat Pollard from Helena Romanes School said:

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“Thank you so much for facilitating such a fabulous event, my students had an amazing time and thoroughly loved the opportunity to work in a professional theatre, it made me laugh to see them out on that large stage and how tiny they looked… when they totally fill the school hall here.”

Cat Pollard, Helena Romanes School

More opportunities for schools at Chelmsford Theatre

Chelmsford Theatre’s discover programme aims to support all young people and their educators by offering a diverse range of masterclasses, tours, and aspirational career workshops, all delivered by theatre professionals.

Vibrant Voices is set to return to Chelmsford Theatre in March 2027 and applications for schools to take part will open in the coming weeks.

You can find out more about other opportunities available to schools on the discover for education hub.