ActOne ArtsBase runs vibrant all-ability dance, theatre and arts projects all over Hertfordshire and the surrounding area.

We work in inclusive spaces where everybody feels valued. We create inspiring performances of dance and drama with people from all backgrounds, whatever their abilities.

Our goal is to make the performing arts accessible to all, regardless of disability or circumstance. Using this approach, we break down prejudice and barriers to participation for hundreds of young people.

• Read about our commitment to inclusion
• See what's coming up in the Artsbase calendar

Trainee Programme

Every year 10 very creative people train to become art leaders and learn how to be confident dance performers. With special training activities run by the ActOne ArtsBase team this programme will teach participants how to have great technique as a dancer and how to support other people to take part in dance. As a trainee, participants will also learn about other arts companies, go and see shows and play a leading role in the work that ActOne ArtsBase do.

The Trainee Programme is an exciting way to meet new people, take on new challenges and help you to learn the skills that you will need to work in the arts.

What activities do Trainees do?

The Trainee Programme has 3 stages in the year.

• Stage 1 starts in February and ends in March
• Stage 2 starts in April and ends in June
• Stage 3 starts in October and ends in December

In each stage you will come to 8 training days. A training day lasts for 5 hours. The first training day is a chance for us to work with you one to one to set goals and to talk about your individual achievements. The other training days will be working together with the whole Trainee team.

Training activities will include:

• Professional dance and performance training

  Your chance to get professional dance and performance training from the ActOne ArtsBase team

• Arts leadership

  You will get training in everything you need to know about becoming a leader for other people

• Theatre Trips

  Visits to the theatre will help us to learn about professional performance and will help us to make decisions about what performance styles we like

• Researching our arts heroes

  Finding out about and sharing information on your favourite artist, be that a musician, a performer or somebody else creative

• Performance Event

  Performance is a part of training and this is your chance to show a public audience all that you have achieved as a trainee

• Progress Meeting

  The ActOne ArtsBase team will support you in making sure you have achieved the goals that you set yourself for the Trainee Programme

Where will I learn to Dance?

As well as doing lots of training with the other Trainees you will attend a weekly workshop called DanceBase DanceBase will allow you to develop skills as a dancer and eventually will be somewhere that you can work as a support to the ActOne Team. DanceBase is a really important part of the Trainee Programme and it is vital that you are able to take part in a DanceBase class in the evening.

Is the Trainee Programme right for me?

The Trainee Programme is a life changing opportunity for you to become a leader in the arts. The programme offers you the chance to learn from a team of professionals and will help you to find ways to work in the arts. It is not the right course for everybody and becoming a trainee is an important decision that should be given careful thought.

The Trainee Programme is for people who:

• Are aged 19 and over
• Have a flair and passion for dance and performing
• Have an ability to use their passion for the arts to inspire and enthuse others
• Have an openness to new challenges
• Are committed to learning

To take part in the programme Trainees must be willing to commit to all of the training activities involved.

What will I get out of the Trainee Programme?

The Trainee Programme gives you the chance to experience professional training as an arts leader. The training will help you to get a job working in the arts and will train you in performance skills that will mean that you are a much better performance artist. If you are under the age of 25 when you do the Trainee Programme you will also be able to use your training to get a qualification called the Arts Award.

Arts Award is a qualification that is used in the UK to show that people have achieved in the arts. If you are under 25 then we will support you in achieving your bronze or silver arts award as part of the Trainee Programme.

What will I have to pay?

The Trainee Programme costs £250 for every stage, which means that the year long programme costs £750. We ask people to pay for the Trainee Programme because we have to pay the ActOne ArtsBase team to plan and run the training.

Most of our Trainees receive Direct Payments to support their living, training and support costs. We encourage people to use their Direct Payments to pay for the Trainee Programme and can support you in finding out about Direct Payments if you do not already get them.

If you are interested in the Trainee Programme and think that it will be difficult to pay for it then we can talk to you about how we might be able to help you. We don’t want the cost to put you off, please contact us if you are worried about how to pay for the Trainee Programme.

I like making friends, the staff are very friendly and kind.