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This week Birmingham Hippodrome announced its 16 Young Advocates and also its appointment of Tru Powell to Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust. Read more:
Via Emma for Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Hippodrome
selects 16 Young Advocates
Over 300 young people expressed interest and 150 applied to be part of the Birmingham Hippodrome’s pilot programme which will initially run until the end of March. The Young Advocates will receive mentoring, training and skills development to build the group into future leaders as they help shape the future of Birmingham Hippodrome’s work with and for young people.
The new group, all aged 14 to 22 and from the West Midlands, comprises of; Aadil, Amal, Annabel, Beth, Bolu, Deborah, Ellie, Harley, Harvey, Hiba, Liam, Niamh, Noor, Radhika, Sanskar and Shreya.

The new group met virtually on 3rd February for a special digital live launch event, hosted by Worcestershire based creative communications agency DRPG who are supporting the programme. Over the course of the evening they learnt more about the Hippodrome’s work through an exclusive Q&A session with Fiona Allan (Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome) and Chris Sudworth (Director of Artistic Programme of Birmingham Hippodrome). They also heard more about DRPG’s work from Ruan Sarris (Junior Creative Director at DRPG).
Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, Head of Learning and Participation at Birmingham Hippodrome commented:
We can’t wait to start working with this exceptional group of young people. This is about the Young Advocates driving meaningful change for young people of the city. As well as looking at how this group can shape our future programme, we are excited to develop their skills as future leaders in the arts and cultural sector.
We are hugely grateful to DRPG for supporting this important programme including hosting the digital launch in their covid-safe studios, training for our Young Advocates and digital expertise to realise the ambitious plans for the programme as we develop these talented young people”
With this partnership with the team at DRPG they will host and play a part in mentoring the Young Advocates in digital communications and giving an insight into careers in the creative industries.
Richard Hingley, Chief Creative Officer of DRPG added:
At DRPG we are committed to supporting young people in our community and I’m delighted we will be working with Birmingham Hippodrome once again. As a creative communications agency it made perfect sense to partner with the Hippodrome, providing them with access to our experienced creative team members, our wider creative services and studio facilities.
Since DRPGbegan back in 1980 we have consistently nurtured young talent, helping them harness their energy and passion for creating amazing work. Our 350 strong team are passionate about giving back and this local initiative will shine a light on the exciting opportunities for those wishing to start a career and help shape the future of the creative industries.
The Young Advocates Programme also promises to leave a lasting impression not only on all those involved, but in the wider creative community and who knows, some may find themselves using their talents to help DRPG continue its trajectory of growth well into the future.”
To find out more, visit birminghamhippodrome.com/youngadvocates
Via Jenna for Birmingham Hippodrome
Tru Powell joins Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Board of Directors
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust (BHTT) this week announced announced the appointment of Tru Powell to its Board of Directors.
Tru is Founder and Managing Director of The Alternative Events and Wedding Company, an event management company that specialises in coordinating high quality corporate, youth events and weddings. In addition, Tru is Director of the UK’s first kids’ salon, Kandy Girl and also the Creative and Events Director for Aston Performing Arts Academy, a community interest organisation that exists to empower young people through performing and creative arts. Since the organisation’s inception in 2004, the company has impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Midlands.

Deputy Chair of BHTT and Chair of the BHTT Nominations Committee, Ann Tonks said:
I am delighted that we have appointed such a standout, highly accomplished individual who will strengthen the skills on our board.
Tru is a successful entrepreneur with great experience in events planning, marketing and communication who will bring further commercial acumen to our business. His work with young people in the arts is exemplary and we are very excited to have him joining our Board. Tru brings with him great energy and enthusiasm.”
Speaking of his appointment Tru said:
I am really excited to have joined the Hippodrome board. I am even more excited at the prospect of championing the arts and contributing to the mission of making the Hippodrome inclusive and accessible for all. I am hoping to bring my wealth of knowledge in enterprise, the arts and marketing to this role to compliment the board’s existing skills and expertise.”
Over the years Tru has been awarded with numerous accolades for enterprise and his contribution to the arts. In 2014 he was recognised as one of Birmingham’s most inspirational young leaders and in 2018 was crowned Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year: Marketing and Communications. In 2019 Tru was also named the Greater Birmingham Future Face of Entrepreneurship as well as winning the prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Award from Natwest.
Chair of BHTT, Glenn Howells, said:
On behalf of the board here at the Hippodrome we are thrilled to announce that Tru Powell is joining us a Trustee. Tru’s experience and track record as a ground-breaking, creative entrepreneur will be a great addition to the Hippodrome in exploring new ways to realise the opportunities that are beginning to emerge as we enter the next stage of our development as a regional cultural hub for performing arts.”
Tru will be officially joining the BHTT Board of Directors on Tuesday 23 February.