With drastic cuts to arts funding across the UK, the future looks uncertain for many organisations. For young performers aged under-18 it looks even bleaker, with local dance and theatre classes already on a financial knife-edge.
And that’s not to mention how the arts are being squeezed out of state-education and becoming an endangered species on the school syllabus. Figures from a recent report by the Education Policy Institute reveals that the number of 15- and 16-year-olds studying arts subjects such as music and drama has fallen to the lowest level in a decade as a result of government policies and education cuts.
With this in mind, Broadway and West End performer Earl Carpenter believes these detrimental factors will deny the next generation of the same opportunities and experiences that he has enjoyed in his 25-year musical theatre career.
Earl Carpenter says: “I firmly believe in the value of the arts in our daily lives, enriching our well-being, education, inclusion as well as being a viable and creative career path that is second to none. For young students embarking on a career in performing arts, it’s absolutely vital to build that core foundation through participation in classes and shows at a young age.”
Perhaps best known for his work as Inspector Javert in Cameron Mackintosh’s productions of Les Misérables and as the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s original and 25th Anniversary productions of The Phantom of the Opera.
Earl himself was a product of an arts education from a grass roots level and is one of The Bournemouth & Poole College’s most successful Performing Arts graduates. His gratitude to the industry has since led to him to becoming Patron and Associate Artist at the nearby Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.
But it’s his ground-breaking work as Director of Ginger Boy Productions Limited that is spearheading a campaign to address the inequalities and obstacles that face young performers today. Earl’s wealth of experience is being put to good use by producing mixed ability, theatrical youth projects in and around the Dorset and Hampshire area, which are free to every young participant.
Jo Barrington, Education Officer for Ginger Boy Productions said: “Drama, dance and music is fast disappearing from the national curriculum, therefore we believe our initiative is both responsive and apposite. The combination of our experience and local support in the community will make a difference. By providing this unique opportunity, we’re looking to nurture our performers with a deep and broad understanding of the industry that will give them a chance of career longevity.”
Last year Ginger Boy Productions committed £20,000 to its inaugural project Scrooge, a musical play based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the eclectic 160-seat Shelley Theatre in Dorset. It saw 45 young performers of varying ability successfully deliver 12 shows that received glowing reviews in the regional press.
This December 8-15, Earl will be producing his second education initiative, Disney Peter Pan Jr in conjunction with The Regent Centre in Christchurch. It’s no mean feat and there are significant costs associated with producing a show.
Through Earl’s sheer passion and dedication in supporting aspiring young performers, he’s also attracting financial assistance from supporters, theatregoers and businesses who share his love of theatre and desire to make a difference.
Earl adds: “Over the years I’ve had some incredible experiences as a performer. I’ve played leading and title roles in some of the world’s biggest musicals. From London’s West End, to Toronto, down to Broadway, across Europe, all the way to the Far East but what these projects has given me is a sense of community, something I’ve not been exposed to in some time.
“To have a safe and non-judgemental environment to do the thing that brought me such joy as a young performer was one of the most important things for me. It’s essential that the whole process is free to the young people involved and the aim is to give everyone the opportunity to experience the magic of the theatre at the highest level we can provide.”
With less cash than ever before going to the arts, it’s left to established and respected performers like Earl Carpenter to carry the torch for the next generation. It won’t be easy, but the stage is set for those who’d like to follow in his footsteps.
“Education in theatre is incredibly powerful. Young people can learn about who they are and find their place in the world. But it has to be available for everyone and not just for the privileged.”
: Disney Peter Pan Jr runs at the Regent Centre in Christchurch from 8-15 December, with auditions taking place on 15 July. For more information please visit www.regentcentre.co.uk or www.gingerboy.me