The Hub is a platform created by the West End Old Vic Theatre as a means of providing free education resources with the aim of improving prospects and mental health for those hoping to work in the creative industries.
About The Hub
The Old Vic Hub offers free digital learning content devised by theatre creatives and professionals. Our resources are designed to welcome anyone, of any age, experience or ability, into the world of theatre and beyond.
What exactly The Hub is offering includes 60+ parts of content at present, that includes podcasts, video workshops, multi-layered virtual content encompassing a careers tour and a theatre glossary, with a host of additional resources available to download. Providing material from professionals, the aim is to aid independent learning to anyone and everyone, irrespective of age, location, or professional background.
The launch of The Hub is in association with Bloomberg Philanthropies via the Digital Accelerator Programme, in order ‘to help cultural organisations invest in strategic improvements to their technology infrastructure’.
Matthew Warchus, Artistic Director of The Old Vic, said of the launch:
“Theatre is something that The Old Vic believes makes the world better and we work to enable anyone to experience, make and benefit from it. The Hub is a fantastic window into this world, highlighting how the creative industries can inspire people professionally and personally – enhancing life skills, career pathways and mental health. Bloomberg’s funding has enabled us to build something unique and we are hugely thankful for their support.”
While renowned actor Paapa Essiedu added his excitement at all The Hub aims to accomplish:
“There’s so much to love about The Hub, from workshops and interviews with creatives to virtual tours and an interactive theatre glossary. I have no doubt it will prove invaluable to anyone and everyone interested in understanding how a theatre works.
As with any industry, finding a route in isn’t always straightforward, so it’s amazing to see content dedicated to mental health and wellbeing alongside the plethora of career and education assets on offer, including some that I have been involved with.
The significance of The Hub cannot be underestimated. It’s a game-changer and something I’m sure a lot of aspiring and existing theatre creatives will benefit from. There aren’t many free, digital theatre assets as extensive as The Hub and I honestly believe it has the potential to change lives – especially for those around the world where access to a theatre is not necessarily a given.”
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About The Old Vic
The Old Vic is an independent creative powerhouse for entertainment and education. They believe theatre makes the world better, and have a mission to invigorate, inspire and open doors through world-class theatre for all. Their purpose is to enable anyone to experience, make and benefit from theatre.
Guiding values
Creativity:
Always dare
We dare, always dare, never letting ‘what is’ get in the way of ‘what if’.
We pair creativity with curiosity — exploring ideas, celebrating our diverse contributions and finding new ways to keep our theatre at the forefront.
Excellence:
Do it with spirit
We know the difference theatre can make, first-hand. It puts fight in our spirit, to work with energy and passion, aim for the highest standards, deliver extraordinary work and create stories for all.
Inclusion:
Include actively
We choose kindness and include actively to create a place where anyone can belong. We check-in and make time for others, listening to learn and building equitable relationships based on empathy, trust and respect.
Custodianship:
Take good care
We’re all custodians of The Old Vic and part of its story. We’re mindful of our responsibility to the theatre, the people within it and the world around us.
So, we work attentively, here to leave each thing better than we found it, for us and for the next generation.
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