Encouraging DT & creativity

[Labro]

DS is 11, very into DT and modelling, creative design etc (has already dwcided he wants to work for the BBC props/design departnent when hes older lol)
He's being encouraged to apply for DT scholarships at 13+, wondered if theres anybody who could give us a few pointers on what sort of thing he needs to put in his portfolio and where he could get insight into theatrical/creative side of designing as he gets a bit older?

At 11 he's probably a bit young for most "summer school " courses that are run by big names. HOWEVER , do look out for " holiday " schemes being delivered by youth theatre groups or modest sized theatre companies. Good idea to get stuck in with school plays as well.

2x 11 yr olds at my son's school spent their half term making "lanterns " for a parade on a holiday scheme run by a local arts charity leading. gaining experience in large scale modelling with withy and paper.They can use that experience towards an "arts award" . You can find organisations that offer "arts award" here www.artsaward.org.uk/centre/lookup.php

Youth theatre play in a week type schemes might be interesting, he may have to do some drama as well, but if he's up front about wanting to work back stage a role can be created. May not be EXACTLY what he is keen to do , prop making, but can be a good insight into how props/ sets etc are put together on a tight budget.

I trained as a stage manager, and TBH I've never used half the modelling and prop making skills I learnt at college in the real world, I've just not worked on shows for companies that have that kind of fully kitted out workshop. These days a lot of "making " is out sourced to specialist companies like Codsteaks.

PS- where abouts in the country are you ?