The Television Workshop, a drama school in Richmond house on Canal street in Nottingham is celebrating forty years of working with local talent and training young actors to go on to build successful careers. The BAFTA award-winning drama group and TV casting resource is marking the milestone by launching a new campaign to showcase its success stories.
The new campaign which is entitled 40 years, 40 stars and 40 awards will run throughout 2023. The workshop as it is known as, has produced many famous TV faces over the years including Samantha Morton, Jack O’Connell, Karl Collins, Bella Ramsey and Alison Hammond.
It has also produced a number of its current and former students to the new Vicky McClure ITVX drama, Without Sin which was filmed in Nottingham last year. Vicky McClure is one of the Workshops' most famous students.
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The anniversary campaign will raise awareness of the charity's work and bring together current members, supporters and well-known industry names. This will culminate in a film festival at Broadway Cinema on Broad Street during the summer
Alison Rashley, executive artistic director said: “The TV Workshop is an incredibly special place to many people. Our film festival will be a true love letter to Nottingham – a celebration of everyone who has come through the Workshop doors, anyone who has helped along the way and all that we have achieved.
“Part of what makes The Television Workshop so unique is that anyone who has joined the group carries a piece of Workshop magic with them into everything they do. We’re so proud of our accomplishments over the years, and of all the brilliant roles our members have gone on to fill."
He added: "Many have been extremely successful in the film and television industry, both on and off-screen. But equally, Workshop teaches life skills that are used in all professions, from construction to medicine. Whatever the path, it’s about ensuring we can continue to invest in future generations.”
The workshop relies on external funding to keep it running and operates a talent-first approach. Its been a difficult time for funding in the arts due to budget cuts to the sector and the pandemic which have had a significant impact. The Workshop receives around 800 applications per year but can only admit around 30 per audition process.
Michael Socha, an award-winning actor known for The Gallows Pole and Papillon, credits his success to the Workshop. He said: “The Television Workshop is so much more than a drama group – for many it is a lifeline. I certainly would not have ended up with the jobs I’ve had, working in so many productions without the skills I was taught and the support I was given.
“When I was a teenager, I didn’t think people like me did acting, but Workshop showed me how wrong I was. I hope it can continue providing these opportunities for youngsters, who may not realise their talent, for another 40 years and then some. "
He added: "Supporting Workshop is about championing the next generation, so I would strongly urge anyone considering how they can help to get in touch.”
