Mentoring at Theatre Academy
In the Theatre Academy mentoring programme, a more experienced mentor follows and supports a student’s path in becoming an artist.
Mentoring has been conducted for several years at the Theatre Academy’s Finnish and Swedish-speaking acting programmes and the feedback has been positive. In 2014, the mentoring programme expanded to the dance and choreography master’s programmes.
What is mentoring at Theatre Academy?
The mentor mainly observes the student’s personal development throughout their education via, for instance, viewing productions and discussing them with the student. The mentee can reciprocally attend the mentor’s performances. The relationship is always unique but usually the mentee needs support and encouragement. The mentor is an older colleague who can be consulted regarding professional matters. The mentor can also give advice regarding emotions, work morale, ethics, and other matters.
The mentors are usually alumni
The joy of mentoring comes from watching a young person’s road to artistry and maintaining a connection with a younger generation of artists. Mentoring is valuable voluntary work, and you can apply to become a mentor. Mentors are usually selected by the students themselves using their own contacts or from the mentor candidates.
Meetings
Some mentors and mentees meet once a year, some more often. Some pairs only meet to go through student’s productions while others also spend time together at other cultural activities.
Many mentors let mentees develop individually and expect mentees to contact them when necessary.