Norwich Theatre is partnering with the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce through their Co.next programme on a brand new event Mastering Public Speaking (9 May) in Norwich Theatre’s newest studio space. Hosted in Studio 4 at Norwich Theatre Playhouse, this event is open to young professionals aged 18 – 35 and Norwich Theatre’s Young Cultural Leaders. Run by Joesph Arkley from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), the session will provide young people with an opportunity to get to grips with the art of public speaking. They will learn about voice, body language and listening, throughout the 3 hour session which will conclude with the opportunity to put their learning into practise with a chance to speak on the Playhouse stage. Caroline Ellis, Account Manager at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are extremely excited to partner up with Norwich Theatre to bring young professionals across Norfolk the opportunity to hear first-hand from Joseph Arkley from the Royal Shakespeare Company to help encourage and empower our Co.next audience. “This event will help break through the stigma around public speaking while building confidence by focusing on voice, body language and listening, which are all fundamental parts of public speaking. I personally believe these are all important skills to support them to grow in confidence and further their careers, which is what Co.next is all about.” Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, also comments: “Co.Next is fast becoming THE network for young people in business in Norfolk, and I’m delighted to see more collaborations like this with Norwich Theatre to engage and empower those starting out on their career path. Public speaking, whether it’s to a handful of people in a presentation or an entire conference doesn’t come naturally to many people (myself included). Yet it’s a really important skill to hone if you want to pitch for new business, sell an idea to an investor or set out your business case to decision makers. 2024 is going to be an exciting year for Co.Next and I’d encourage anyone interested in finding out more to reach out to the Norfolk Chambers team.” This is the start of the growing partnership between the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and the Co.next programme, which will provide more opportunities for young professionals and Norwich Theatre’s Young Cultural Leaders. Norwich Theatre’s Young Cultural Leaders is a free programme that is designed to give young people between 18 and 30 the chance to gain practical skills and learn how to help shape and define leadership. Recruiting for the 24/25 cohort will start in summer 2024. Hayley Murrow, Creative Learning Partnerships Manager at Norwich Theatre, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Co.next; they share similar core values to inspire and empower young people to make change; this is what we aim to do with our Young Cultural Leaders programme. This new partnership should provide further opportunities to connect and have our Young Cultural Leaders meet and network with Norfolk businesses. “Public speaking is an essential skill for anyone, and this session is sure to be an exciting and interesting opportunity to learn from a practitioner from the RSC.” The Young Cultural Leaders is one of the five groups that make up the Creative Assembly, a collaborative approach to creative leadership that involves audiences, participants, artists, stakeholders, communities and partners that represent the make-up of the theatre’s region to co-deliver Norwich Theatre’s Creative Experiences Strategy. To book your place visit: CLICK HERE Listing Mastering Public Speaking Date: 9 May Time: 8.30am – 12noon Venue: Norwich Theatre Playhouse – Studio 4 Member: £9.50 Non-members: £13 The event is open to young professionals aged 18 – 30 and Norwich Theatre’s Young Cultural Leaders. Contact information Rebecca Lyon, Head of Media & Communications at Norwich Theatre [email protected] 01603 598 521 Charlotte Nelson, Communications Manager at Norwich Theatre [email protected] 07769262331 or 01603 598 527