The Mercury Creatives Festival, which will be held on Saturday, August 9, is the first of its kind for the theatre, will provide a glimpse into the journey of several renowned artists.
These artists, including Amy Trigg, Waleed Akhtar, Kenny Emson, Vickie Donoghue, Jenny Sealey, Frew, Chi-San Howard, and The Paper Birds, will offer insight into the creative industry while providing practical help in today’s challenging world for creative professionals.
The festival will run throughout the day and will include a variety of talks, workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions featuring artists from the local area and beyond.
Attendees can also interact with significant voices in the sector who started their successful careers in regions like Essex.
Natasha Rickman, the artistic director of the Mercury Theatre, said: “To have world-class Essex artists sending the ladder back down, by sharing their experience and insight, is a very special and important thing.
“The Mercury Creatives is an incredible advert for the exceptional talent we have here in Essex, and for the extraordinary contribution the arts makes.”
The festival will include an interactive conversation with Olivier Award-winning actors Amy Trigg and Waleed Akhtar on writing and performing your own work, a closing keynote speech by Jenny Sealey, insights on writing about areas like Essex with Kenny Emson and Vickie Donoghue, and how to make practical musicals delivered by Frew and Chi-San Howard.
The Paper Birds, experts in devised verbatim theatre, will also share tips on running a theatre company.
Tickets for the festival cost £30 and are on sale now.