Choosing what to do next. Tools for getting your performing arts career started.

Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (PANDA) are pleased to announce details of the first event in our Spotlight On programme for 2010, run in partnership with Nuffield Theatre.

This free practical panel-led information and networking event is open to all performing arts students and graduates in the North West. Join us at Nuffield Theatre in Lancaster on Thursday 4th March 2010 as our panel of guest speakers share their experience on how to make the transition from university into a career in the performing arts.

Key topics will include:

• The performing arts sector today – opportunities and constraints of the current climate, the jobs market, funding and the effects of economic and political change.

• Choosing a direction – how to decide what to do next, combining your skills and preferences, exploring options and building your CV whilst developing a portfolio career.

• Finding employment – where to look for jobs, getting the edge on applications, freelancing, means of supporting yourself while searching for work, alternative options within and outside of the sector.

• Starting out as an artist – how to develop your practice and create work full or part time, funding and other sources of income, sharing and touring your work, planning for the next stage of your career.

• Tools for survival – marketing yourself and your work, maintaining work-life balance and where to go to get support with self-employment issues, negotiating contracts and rates of pay.

The guest speakers for Spotlight On Next Steps for Performing Arts Graduates will be announced soon at www.panda-arts.org.uk/nextsteps.

The panel discussion will run from 3.00pm – 5.00pm and will be followed by an informal networking session. Stay and chat with the guest speakers and participants from the Spotlight On panel session.

You are invited to stay on campus for the evening’s show at Nuffield Theatre, ‘Why I Don’t Hate White People’ by Lemn Sissay. Spotlight On participants will be eligible for a special offer on tickets for this event.

To book a place at Spotlight On Next Steps for Performing Arts Graduates contact Rachel Morton on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.