The National Theatre says it will support theatre and film practitioners in building sustainable careers by enhancing both their artistic and business skills through specialised training programmes.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
Akerele said practitioners had consistently expressed the need for training in four key areas of specialisation.
According to her, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy through the creative industries.
She explained that the training was specifically designed for industry professionals seeking specialisation in the technical aspects of theatre and film production.
The four areas of focus are: Costume design; research and development; narrative scoring, and project management for theatre practitioners.
According to Akerele, the courses are tailored to address specific skill gaps identified within Nigeria’s creative sector, with the goal of strengthening local capacity and increasing professional opportunities.
“The creative industry offers genuine economic opportunities but artists require the right tools and knowledge to navigate business environments effectively.
“These programmes provide that access while equipping artists with business skills necessary for sustainable careers,” Akerele said.
The training, which will be delivered in hybrid format, combining practical training with business development components, will hold from Sept. 22 to Oct. 24.
The programme, which is in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation, will be delivered by industry professionals, including Ré Olunuga, Dr Leesi Patrick, Lydia Yakula and Yoanna Okwesa.