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THE SHOWOFF TALENT FACTORY

The Talent Factory is a year-long communication and performance development programme. Now in its fourth year, the programme takes a diverse group of communicators of research and ideas and helps them develop their skills and practice to become a mutually supportive community. Participants get exciting opportunities to practise their skills and develop new ones as well as help and guidance from the creator of Bright Club, History Showoff and Science Showoff, Steve Cross.

This fourth version of the Talent Factory will blend online and in-person communication, and is open to people from all over the UK and Ireland. We’re looking for a diverse group of people from a variety of subject backgrounds, not just science and related fields.

Aimee couldn’t believe Cerys was sharing *that* embarrassing story from Aimee’s dating history

WHO IS THE SCHEME FOR?

The scheme is open to people interested in communicating research and ideas. Previous iterations were focussed on science, but this version is also open to people who want to share other ideas. Steve has run events with historians, archaeologists, architects, lawyers and futurologists. The scheme is open to them and anyone else with interesting ideas to share.

The scheme is about development, so probably isn’t suitable for very experienced (professor-type) speakers. It’s also about teamwork and developing together so isn’t suitable for people who are only interested in individual success and profile.

WHAT YOU GET

  • To perform at lots of online and real-world gigs and other fun things Steve organises or takes part in
  • Mentoring from a group of previous Talent Factory participants who are now leaders of communication, education and engagement
  • Access to opportunities and development no-one else can get
  • Online masterclasses from some excellent communicators, thinkers and doers
  • To appear on new podcasts and videos
  • Promotion via the Science Showoff website, YouTube channel and social media feeds
  • Lots of photos, video and audio to share with potential bookers
  • Help writing and improving talks and comedy from Steve and his contacts
  • Recommendations to organisations as a performer and speaker
  • Introductions to Steve’s contacts
  • A community of like-minded people to support you and work with you
  • No reasonable favour will be refused

WHAT’S EXPECTED FROM YOU

  • To help the rest of the group and offer them opportunities you come across
  • To take part in more than 10 activities during the year
  • To give as much help as you get
  • To stay involved for the whole year
  • To be part of the group on Slack
  • An average of four hours a week, much of it made up of online chat

Always wear sequins for DNA sequencing

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Here are some graduates of previous Talent Factory schemes to show you how you might develop over the year.

Alex Lathbridge, science and tech storyteller, Famelab champion, BBC presenter https://www.alexlathbridge.com/

Cassie Hugill, Public Engagement Manager at the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging https://uk.linkedin.com/public-profile/in/cassandra-hugill

Anna Ploszajski, materials expert, writer, podcaster and channel swimmer
https://www.annaploszajski.com/

Hana Ayoob, producer, trainer and communicator
https://www.hanaayoob.co.uk/

Sarah Jones, geomicrobiologist, comedian, BBC Wales star
https://sarahjokes.com/

HOW DO I APPLY?

Applications for the 2021/22 online Talent Factory open on July 1st and close on August 3rd at 5pm. To apply send an email to showofffactory [AT] gmail.com with your CV (2 pages max) and answers to these two questions (2 pages max):

1. What would you like to get out of the Talent Factory?

2. What will you contribute to the experience of the other people taking part?

A panel of experienced mentors will review the applications and choose 12-20 people to take part in the coming year.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Taking part costs you nothing. Mentors and trainers give their time for free to help you develop. The Talent Factory has no funding so also can’t pay for your time or expenses.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Follow the Talent Factory on twitter (@ShowoffTalentFa) and keep an eye on this site to hear about the Talent Factory’s projects, events, and gigs.

Never Explain