What is Elevate?
Elevate is a scheme run by acta and was most recently supported by The Singer Foundation and Arts Council England. It is aimed at community theatre practitioners and socially engaged artists who are interested in working with a specific community, and would like to develop their knowledge and practice of community and socially engaged theatre and arts practice.
Over the course of nine months, we train a core group of practitioners to make high-quality and impactful community-based theatre and arts initiatives.
Who is this for?
The scheme is for early to mid-career artists and practitioners, and those with some experience already of working in community settings, whether that is in this country or abroad.
‘The group has been very important to me, especially the diverse experience of the cohort, and people’s different practice. I’ve learnt about worlds that I didn’t know existed.’
Elevate 2024 participant
What is Elevate like?
Elevate is a friendly and supportive group who will meet together not only to take part in workshops, seminars and events delivered by acta, but also as a peer-support group, helping each other through the challenges that they face.
Our Elevate cohort will learn and explore their own ideas in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
“Such an inspiring and brilliant scheme! Taught in such an engaging way. I have learned so much!”
Elevate 2022/23 participant
What will it include?
The scheme consists of 6 sessions in 4 main areas of training & development:
↑ Creative facilitation
↑ acta Methodology
↑ Engaging communities
↑ Social Enterprise
Additionally, there are two practice exchange sessions where practitioners can try out ideas alongside their peers. There will be a final celebration towards the end of 2024.
What are the benefits of the scheme?
The benefits include:
↑ Workshops: exploration of, and training in, acta’s own methodology, technique and craft
↑ Reflective practice: space, time and a sounding board for participants to learn through and from their experience
↑ Downtime: Access to free physical space in the acta centre to explore ideas and practical techniques.
↑ Peer support: Shared resources and communication through regular set up of peer support meetings
↑ Social enterprise training: including exploration of starting a Community Interest Company
↑ Mentoring and access to all acta core staff members
↑ Employment opportunities in partnership with acta or other host support organisations.
‘The enterprise session was so, so valuable and opened up my eyes to other funding and income opportunities, which would give me more autonomy over my work.’
Elevate 2024 participant
Where and when will it take place?
We are currently working behind the scenes to try and bring back Elevate for 2025. Watch this space!
Elevate came along at just the right time for me, when I wanted to re-engage with the performance arts community.
Elevate met a need for peer-connection and collaboration. The programme served as a reminder of the benefits and power of creative activities informed by participants and communities.A member of the Elevate 2022/23 cohort
The workshops, exercises, and the engagement with like-minded individuals has boosted my confidence to continue to develop a programme of explorative workshops for personal and professional development. The Elevate programme has served to re-balance, refresh, re-invigorate and re-connect my creative community arts practice.
