The OA Club in collaboration with Abingdon Arts Partnership presents
Abingdon Arts Forum
Abingdon Arts Forum is a new initiative by the Old Abingdonian Club and Abingdon Arts Partnerships that aims to support those working in the arts and provide insights to the realities of life as an arts professional. It is designed to appeal to both students and the general public alike.
In a series of recorded interviews conducted by senior pupils from schools across Abingdon, actors, writers, directors, producers, filmmakers, comedians and musicians (drawn from the alumni of Abingdon, Fitzharrys, Larkmead and John Mason Schools) will be invited to reveal how they started in their chosen fields, what obstacles they faced and how they overcame them. They will reflect on the skills and attributes required to survive in the arts, and offer advice to those hoping to follow in their footsteps. They will talk about the highs and lows of their careers to date, and – crucially – offer ideas for ways in which the arts community can adapt and respond in the face of the pandemic.
Each interview will last between 30-45 minutes followed by up to 15 minutes of questions submitted in advance from members of the audience. All the events will be free to watch online, but there will be opportunities – for those who can – to make a donation to a relevant charity working to support artists at this challenging time.
Our next Arts Forum guest will be the actor Charlie Watson, former student of John Mason School, and star of Downton Abbey, who will be interviewed by Larkmead / JMS student Bea Semple.
Tickets are free, and we encourage all who can to make a donation to The Theatre Artists Fund (https://theatreartists.fund/)
