In a ground-breaking initiative from Ardent Theatre Company, 40 young acting graduates from working class backgrounds across the UK auditioned for the opportunity to become part of the Ardent8 ensemble…Cast announced for the premiere of
BEYOND OURSELVES
created for the Ardent8 Ensemble and written by Andrew Muir
UNION THEATRE
7 November 2023 – 12 November 2023
In a ground-breaking initiative from Ardent Theatre Company, 40 young acting graduates from working class backgrounds across the UK auditioned for the opportunity to become part of the Ardent8 ensemble – an 18-month engagement involving participation in 10 industry led workshops and a two-week London based residency culminating in the production of a new play written for them by Andrew Muir.
With an Equity agreed paid contract this is a wonderful showcase and opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise get.
In September 2022, the eight selected participants, selected from De Montfort University Leicester, Manchester Metropolitan University and Bournemouth & Poole College took part in the first of 10 workshops.
‘Beyond Ourselves’ at the Union Theatre from, 7 November 2023 – 12 November 2023, is the play created for the Ardent8 Ensemble and written by Andrew Muir which aims a spotlight on the current state of our creative industry for those young graduates wishing to make a career out of it. The obstacles they face and the drive and determination to overcome them. A dream turned sour and then turned sweet again with the help of a song, a prop and a touch of rouge, this story aims to ignite the flame that is so often blown out.
A group of recent performing arts graduates take over an empty space with the intention of creating something. Anything, it doesn’t matter. A moment that can be shared with an audience if in fact any audience ever turns up to see it. But should that matter? Is art created for an audience or for the artist themselves?
Cast:
Jacob Rayner Blair
Callum Diaz
Eddie Drummond
Danielle Laurence
Caoimhe Mackin
Thoma O’Neill
India Pignatiello
Annabel Worsfold
Creative team:
Director Andrew Muir
Lighting Designer Charlie Speck
Stage Manager Chloe Brown
Social Media Manager Gigi Pacifico
ABOUT ARDENT8
We discover 8 emerging actors from across the UK Manchester, Leicester, Bournemouth and beyond! Our mission is to offer opportunities to those in need. We bring these talented individuals to London, opening doors to countless possibilities. We are bringing outsiders in.
We believe theatre should be for everyone, irrespective of their background or economic
circumstances. We believe artists deserve fair pay based on industry-recognised rates. We believe theatre can be a vehicle for change, where we challenge or deepen our understanding of the world. We believe in bringing outsiders in.
Ardent seeks fresh talent yearly, specifically scouting young graduate actors outside London. We provide opportunities beyond traditional paths, breaking down barriers of class and social divides. We give these eight actors a taste of the real acting world by providing ten professional workshops, preparing them for a week-long performance in a prestigious London theatre. The play, tailored for and inspired by them, is written by Andrew Muir.
Before signing their contracts, the Ardent8 undergo session with a representative from Actors Equity to gain insights into industry standards, contractual obligations, and tips for navigating the professional acting world. This prepares them with valuable knowledge and a clear understanding of the expectations of their commitment.
Ardent8 is a game-changer for young actors, giving their voices the spotlight they deserve! Passionate about inclusivity, Ardent8 breaks down barriers for outsiders-those often sidelined in society. Through compelling stories and a commitment to emerging talent, especially from outside London, they’re reshaping the theatre scene. Join Ardent8 in creating a space where nobody feels like an outsider.
Ardent Theatre Company
presents
Beyond Ourselves
A new piece of work created
for the Ardent8 Ensemble
and written by Andrew Muir
Tuesday 7 – Sunday 12 November
Union Theatre
229 Union St,
London
SE1 0LX
www.uniontheatre.biz
Tue 7th 7:30pm
Wed 8th 7:30pm
Thu 9th 2:00pm
7:30pm
Fri 10th 7:30pm
Sat 11th 2:00pm
Sun 12th 2:00pm
Tickets:
£10.00 (£8 concs)
Social media:
Website
https://www.ardenttheatre.co.uk
Twitter:
@ardenttheatre
Facebook:
ardenttheatrecompany
Instagram:
ardenttheatre