Previous projects
In School Workshop
Over the course of seven weeks, seven industry professionals from across the creative sector visited Year 9 and 10 students at St Thomas More School in Wood Green. Each week, these creatives delivered engaging, hands-on workshops designed to introduce students to career paths within the arts, media, and wider creative industries, opportunities that are too often absent from traditional school career guidance.
The workshops gave students a rare chance to explore the breadth of the creative sector through practical, inspiring sessions, while also offering a realistic view of how to access these industries, particularly for those from working-class backgrounds.
A highlight of the programme was a visit from WORK UP’s patron, Peter Capaldi, who spoke to a packed assembly about his own journey into the industry, from his working-class roots to becoming a BAFTA and Oscar-winning actor and director. Following the talk, he joined a smaller group session with students who had shown a strong interest in pursuing creative careers, offering them candid advice, encouragement, and insight into navigating the industry.
This programme is part of our commitment to early intervention, making creative careers visible, accessible, and achievable for students who may not see themselves represented in these fields.
Regional Mixer
WORK UP hosted a dedicated mixer at Spotlight, designed to create space for regional working-class actors to connect, share experiences, and form lasting relationships. Too often, creatives from outside major cities, particularly those from working-class backgrounds — face isolation in an industry where who you know can be just as important as what you know.
This event set out to challenge that reality. By bringing people together in a welcoming and supportive space, the mixer offered attendees a chance to build community, form peer networks, and gain access to valuable industry knowledge that is often shared informally and behind closed doors.
In addition to the mixer, we hosted a Q&A session with agents, casting directors, and actors who are successfully navigating the industry. Their insights helped demystify industry pathways and offered practical guidance for those just starting out or looking to take the next step in their careers.
Support and networking in the creative industries aren’t luxuries — they’re essentials. They promote mental wellbeing by reducing feelings of isolation, open doors to new collaborations, and help demystify critical topics like auditions, representation, funding, and career development. For many attendees, this event was more than just a networking opportunity, it was a powerful reminder that they are not alone in this journey.
