Old Vic New Voices on the search for hot new talent

Applications for the fifth annual The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices are now open and, for the first time this year, emerging talent from across the whole of the UK are invited to apply.

Whether you are a budding Bard from Belfast, an ambitious actor from Aberystwyth, a promising producer from Portsmouth or a determined director from Dunfermline, The Old Vic want to hear from you!

This adrenaline-fuelled theatrical challenge provides 50 young actors, writers, directors and producers, aged between 18-25, with the opportunity to prove their theatrical skill by creating seven short plays in one day, and performing them to 1000 friends, family and industry VIPs at The Old Vic. The final event takes place over the weekend of 24 and 25 July, culminating in the performances on Sunday 25 March at 7.30pm.

This adrenaline-fuelled theatrical challenge provides 50 young actors, writers, directors and producers, aged between 18-25, with the opportunity to prove their theatrical skill by creating seven short plays in one day

As well as securing the chance to create work for The Old Vic's historic stage, successful applicants to The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices are offered membership of the New Voices Club – The Old Vic's professional development programme. Practitioners are offered workshops with industry professionals, given support for projects about which they are passionate and plugged in to a formidable creative network of like-minded peers.

“I was lucky enough to be one of many alumni who have seen their careers' take off after The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices. It really is the most extraordinary stepping stone into a professional career. Since the event, I've worked with Nicholas Hytner, Trevor Nunn, Howard Davies and Simon Russell Beale, as well as receiving ongoing support and advice from Old Vic New Voices.” Amit Shah, New Voices 2005 Actor

Following their participation in the event, many of the artists will assist on The Old Vic's celebrity version of the event, The 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala, taking place this year on Sunday 21 November. This annual fund-raiser delights audiences and inspires everyone who takes part. Star guests from the previous six performances include Ronni Ancona, Jane Asher, Jim Broadbent, Rob Brydon, Joseph Fiennes, Tom Hollander, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Maureen Lipman, Ralf Little, Art Malik, Stephen Mangan, Fiona Shaw, Brooke Shields, Catherine Tate, Vince Vaughn and Sam West.

Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director of The Old Vic, said: “I am delighted that our pinnacle project for emerging talent is going nationwide for the first time, enabling the UK's most creative young artists to showcase their skills on a West End stage.”

All proceeds from The 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala fund Old Vic New Voices (OVNV). Old Vic New Voices aims to support emerging talent, inspire young people and open up The Old Vic Theatre to new and diverse audiences. It is at the very heart of Kevin Spacey's vision for the on-going success of the theatre.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Monday 24 May 2010.

For more information visit www.oldvictheatre.com/24

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