We are pausing the DipCP 16 week course and the one month Essential Producing course on zoom in order to launch the CGO Institute London Intensive weekend course starting September 2024. The information below covers the DipCP as it ran from its launch in April 2020 to the 4th cohourt ‘graduating’ in June 2023. Much that is at the heart of the DipCP will be offered within the Short Courses.
The CGO Institute DipCP programme is for aspiring creative producers of theatre and live performance. The course is cloud-based and designed for up to 12 practitioners who will work together and learn from a range of established UK and International arts professionals.
- The DipCP is open to creative producers working in all performing arts including: opera, live music, dance, circus, live art, musical theatre, and festivals.
- Many producers work across a portfolio of projects which may also encompass visual arts, publishing, and film. The course will not focus on these areas, but the skills taught will be transferable.
- The course is cloud-based, meaning it is run online via Zoom. This allows participants to participate from their own homes/work bases. Our hope is that participants will also meet ‘on the ground’ where possible.
- The course will be led by Chris Grady. Sessions, workshops and Q&As will be delivered by our Faculty, who all share a similar passion and vision for the role of the Creative Producer.
- The CGO Institute will help each participant find a mentor and local network. We support our students to build a creative network in their local area and specialism(s).
The Course
- Runs over 17 weeks over Zoom
- Comprises 6 weeks teaching, 4 weeks study break/Christmas, 7 weeks teaching
- Is taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. 12pm-2pm is used for informal conversation between the cohort, screen breaks, and lunch break. All times are current UK time
- Is taught in English
- Takes up to 12 students on each cohort
- Welcomes students from across the world
This structure leaves students time to study, prepare, earn a living, and produce work.
“Coming together as a small group of passionate creative practitioners gives the opportunity, over an intensive 16 weeks, to create a professional friendship network which can support you in the future. It allows each person to understand themselves better and to build resilience. By offering a mix of tools and rules, knowledge and informed opinion, passion and practicality, we will aim to work together to begin your journey to change the world one show at a time.” Chris Grady
Key Information
- Each day of teaching comprises 4 hours of masterclasses, lessons, seminars and tutorials.
- The topics for each teaching session are pre-set, but the content is adapted to suit the needs of the cohort.
- The course has 6 modules, which will be assessed through a short shared or solo assignments to demonstrate embedded learning and practical application of the course’s teachings.
- We audio record and provide transcriptions of each session, so that lectures can be reviewed by students at a later date.
- Students are expected to manage their own time. They must complete independent study and research and will be asked to collaborate with other students to complete group projects.
- We encourage students to produce their own work and continue to build their career whilst completing the course.
Teaching Methods
- Alongside the six modules, there will be 1-2-1 tutorials, support in securing a mentor in your chosen field, and networking events on the ground and online. These are designed to help you find the peer group and connections that will enable you to build you career in the artform, community, and business level that is most appropriate for you.
- Tutorials will be scheduled outside the 2 days teaching. They will be a mix of individual 1-2-1 and small group sessions. They will focus on individual challenges and aspirations around two questions “what do you need?” right now and “what can you offer?” to the group, the industry, and the world.
- Mentors are supportive individuals who may have a few years more years of experience, or work for organisations you’d like to connect with. Ideally, they will be people you can meet on the ground. The CGO team will work with you to identify the right people and help to make the introductions. Previous mentors have offered 2-3 sessions during the course, and others have turned into long-term mentors and associates.
- Networks are formal or informal peer groups and specialist gatherings. We hope you will find networks (or invent them) in your community. You will become part of Producers’ Pool, the network of freelance producers developed by CGO 7 years ago. Producers’ Pool originated in London and has now spread online. Our team will work with you to identify the right groups and help you make connections.
- …And of course you will become part of an Alumni Network – the CGO Diplomats who have gone through the programme, made close alliances with their peers, and can now connect with past and future cohorts to change the world.
The content enrichment is fundamentally self-generated. We will help you, but we encourage you to take the lead on getting the most from these opportunities. It is time for you research your community, organisations you respect, and individuals you would like to meet and learn from. We encourage our students to begin making these connections before the course begins, so they can leave the course with an already established network and connections.
The CGO also offers Masterclass programme as part of the DipCP. This will include guests chosen for their practical insights and real-life experience. They will be people from around the world who share wisdom that will resonate with new producers (including failure and challenge). Technology may enable us to meet someone who is underway with a fascinating area of work somewhere in the world, matching the need for understanding from our students.
Some masterclasses may be made available to a wider audience, such as member of Producers’ Pool.
Awarding the Diploma
The DipCP comprises of six modules, with each being assessed through an assignment. Alongside this, we will evaluate your attendance, contribution, placements, mentorships, and tutorials to lead to the awarding of the diploma.Upon graduating from the Diploma, CGO will work with you to keep in touch, share opportunities for employment and projects, and continue to build a community of creative producers.