A Direct Message: Artist Development Programme 2022

In August 2022, 45 young people came together to rehearse for 12 days to stage a brand-new musical on our main stage. A Direct Message explores the experiences of young people; their joy, their sadness, their loss, their triumph and everything in between. Our Artist Development Programme (ADP) is a two-week summer programme produced by Hackney Empire: Creative Futures. In under two weeks a company of 45 young artists and creatives, aged 14 – 19 years old, are mentored by industry professionals to create and present a sensational piece of new and original musical theatre. Stay tuned for details of how to get involved with ADP 2023! Story by Sumāh Ebelé Devised by the ADP 2022 Company Director: Yamin Choudury Associate Director: Stella Odunlami Associate Director: Kane Husbands Drama Practitioner: Andre Fyffe Drama Assistant: Elizabeth Ayodele Head of Music and Co-Musical Director: Ty Lowe Co-Musical Director: Diarra Walcott-Ivanhoe Vocal Director: Rianna Kellman Music Assistant: Hannah McCarron-Gamez Music Assistant: Elijah Aduu Choreographer: Olivia Shouler Assistant Choreographer: Poppy Tremlett Dance Assistant: Khalif Shakeil Edwards Designer: Becca White Assistant Designer: Sherna Simpson-Thomas Design Assistant/Peer Mentor: Hannah Schlenker Young Company Photographer: Joshua Ashby Creative Producer: Rachel Horowitz Assistant Producer and Company Manager: Fatima Sheekhuna Stage Manager: Vanessa Sutherland