A THEATRE has launched its new programmes to develop the future talent of those who work in the creative industry.

The Mercury Theatre Colchester announced three nine-month dedicated talent development programmes for promising playwrights, producers and directors from the East of England.

Successful applicants will have an opportunity to work alongside mentors to gain experience of working professionally in the industry.

Following from a joint programme in 2020, the Mercury and Josef Weinberger Ltd have joined forces to nurture and grow the best writing talent in their Playwrights Programme.

The courses will be led by industry leaders including award-winning writer and Bafta nominee Kenny Emson, artistic director of Physical Company Theatre Témoin Ailin Conant, and Mercury’s own talent development producer, Dilek Latif.

Creative director Ryan McBryde said: “Artist development is always at the heart of what we do at the Mercury, but after a year of theatres being dark, we felt it was more important than ever to support and cultivate artists from across our region.

“The success of our Mercury Playwright’s scheme has proved to us how vital it is that regional theatres support artists and so we’re expanding our programme and adding two new schemes for emerging directors and producers.

“These creative programmes are an integral part of supporting our freelance regional community and creating work for the future.

“This means that we can continue to be a source of innovation for audiences and artists across the East and, in the long-term, it will help our sector rebound following the pandemic.”

Talent development producer Dilek Latif said: “We are looking for creatives who are bold, ambitious and theatrically daring.”

The deadline for proposals is April 29 and all applicants will be notified in June.

Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk.