SPRINGBOARD is our free training programme that aims to find, shape, inspire, champion and sustain the next generation of performers from underrepresented backgrounds.
This groundbreaking programme is a performance pathway into employment designed specifically to support young people aged 18-25yrs who live in West London, have zero to little formal drama training and are currently underrepresented in theatre.
Each year, 10 new trainees are enrolled in the programme, benefitting from a bursary that will support them while they take part in a wide range of development initiatives including performances, workshops, masterclasses, artist development and opportunities both on and off the stage.
Trainees receive hundreds of engagement opportunities over their attachment to the Lyric. They learn from leading industry practitioners in masterclasses led by Main House directors; Lyric Artistic Associates Nina Steiger, Tinuke Craig, Tanika Gupta, Philip McMahon and Good Teeth; and the Lyric’s Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie and Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.
Our SPRINGBOARD trainees for 2025 are:
Rebecca Wahu
Jacob Louis Baker
Princess Williams
Thusika Baskaran
Vanessa N’tshonso
Haven Samuel
Chineacea Rose
Nathaniel Ekundayo
Naomi Jahshelle
SPRINGBOARD is kindly supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The Emmanuel Kaye Foundation and The John Lyon’ s Charity.
WATCH two of our current SPRINGBOARD trainees, Rebecca and Haven, in ‘See’
‘See’, written by Eleanor Tindall, was performed by Rebecca Wahu and Haven Samuel as part of the SPRINGBOARD programme. The piece was filmed and directed by Charlie Frances of AKTA Photography.
To watch our other trainees’ performances, click here.