5 Merseyside-based performers to train & gain professional experience through 20 Stories High and Unity Theatre’s new professional development programme led by Ameera Conrad.
Following a competitive selection process, award-winning theatre company 20 Stories High has selected five performers to be part of a development programme followed by a professional performance in December 2023.
The performance, ‘who the f–k is shakespeare?’, is part of an ambitious professional development programme, Actor’s Lab, supported by Guildhall School of Music and Drama and London Academy of Music and Drama. Actor’s Lab is a brand-new programme specifically designed to train, develop, and promote the next generation of professional working class, culturally diverse, Deaf/Disabled and neurodivergent actors in Merseyside.
Speaking about the inception of the programme, Associate Director Ameera Conrad said:
“It’s central to our work here at 20 Stories High to think not only about what our industry is doing in the immediate, but also in the future. This is why we want to empower the next generation of artists, both in their practical skill building as performers and in the business of being an artist. We have 5 incredible multi-hyphenate talents from right here in Liverpool who are ready to take the industry by storm!”
In a programme designed and led by Conrad, the five Merseyside-based performers have benefited from national partnerships with world-class training institutions & professionals. Following this training, they will perform in a professional production at Unity Theatre.
The show, ‘who the f–k is shakespeare?’, is described as “Repurposing Shakespeare for the next generation with spoken word, poetry, and a dash of drama.” This “political occupation of Shakespeare’s work” has been adapted and directed by Ameera Conrad.
The five performers are Leonisha Barley, Claire Beerjeraz, Molly Hannah, Marcy Rick, and Mary Savage.
Performing at Unity Theatre from Thursday 30 November to Saturday 2 December.
