Regional support and rural touring opportunities for people in the performing arts in the North West.

Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (PANDA) are pleased to announce a special event run in association with our partners Unity Theatre and Hope Street Limited in Liverpool and the Cheshire’s Rural Touring Network (CRTN).

The event is free and open to anyone working (or hoping to work) in the performing arts in the North West. Join us at 6.30pm on Wednesday 12th November 2008 at Unity Theatre to meet the organisations that can support you and find out more about rural touring opportunities in the region.

• Liz O’Neill will be on hand to introduce PANDA (www.panda-arts.org.uk) and outline the information, advice and development services that the organisation can provide.

• Graeme Phillips from Unity Theatre (www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk) will welcome you to the venue and say a little about the events and opportunities available at the theatre.

• Peter Ward will explain how you can get involved with the various schemes and training opportunities at Hope Street Limited (www.hope-street.org).

• Claire Smith of Cheshire’s Rural Touring Network (www.cheshire.gov.uk/arts) will discuss the rural touring opportunities in the region and launch the fifth year of the PANDA-CRTN Rural Touring Mentoring Scheme, which offers mentorship to a company who would be keen to develop their work for rural touring.

The PANDA-CRTN Rural Touring Mentoring Scheme is a successful scheme and a valuable entry-point for any company wishing to establish themselves on the rural touring network. Full details of the scheme including how to apply will be covered at the event, and are also available on the PANDA website at www.panda-arts.org.uk/rtms09

Come along to find out about the great opportunities available and network with other people working in theatre, dance, street art, live art and writing for performance. The event will take place in the comfortable surroundings of the Unity Lounge bar and will be followed by The Lavender Club, a comedy, poetry and music night, running as part of the Homotopia festival.

Book your place

To RSVP for this free event contact Rachel Morton on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.

For full details visit: www.panda-arts.org.uk/neighbours