ZooNation is offering a paid placement opportunity on our upcoming production Ebony Scrooge, at Sadler’s Wells East, as a part of our Behind The Scenes Initiative. The initiative aims to support Black and Global Majority talent in creative and backstage theatre roles, who are currently underrepresented in the sector.

For Ebony Scrooge the placement offered is with the Lighting team, learning from and shadowing our Lighting Designer and Lighting Programmer.

The placement will take place across 14 sessions, which may vary between full days and split days. Within this placement, you will receive hands on experience of working on a main stage production with ZooNation.

Key Dates:

• Interview date: Monday 2 November 2026 for a 30 minute Zoom meeting
• 14 sessions: Dates to be confirmed with the successful applicant, falling between;
• Remote prep work and initial mentor session with Lighting Designer w/c 9 November 2026
• Join studio rehearsal up to 2.5 days between 10-14 November 2026 in East London
• Production Dates: 16-21 November 2026
• 24-26 November 2026

To Apply:

Please send a letter (max 1 A4) OR a short video or audio submission (max 1 minute) explaining why you are interested in this programme. Please include details of any relevant experience or transferrable skills you have to date.

Successful applicants will be invited to a Zoom chat with members of the team, where we can get to know you better and discuss the role in more detail. After this time, one applicant will be invited to join the programme.

Deadline: Monday 26 October at 12:00 (midday)

For more information and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!

A paid summer work and cultural exchange opportunity for creatives aged 18+.

Camp America offers a paid summer opportunity to live and work at an American summer camp for 9–12 weeks, with performing arts and creative roles available across camps in the USA. This is more than just work experience - it’s a chance to use your creative skills while living the full summer camp life!

Creatives from all backgrounds are placed in roles where they can teach, lead and inspire young people through acting, singing, dance, music, technical theatre and production, while also being part of a wider camp community. Alongside your role, you’ll take part in classic camp activities, build international friendships and experience everyday life in the USA. While we work with specialist theatre and performing arts camps, performing arts roles are available across many different camps, not just specialist ones.

This opportunity is ideal for those who:

• Are actors, singers, dancers, musicians, technicians, directors or creatives with relevant skills
• Want paid, hands-on experience using their creativity in a real-world setting
• Are looking for more than a placement - a summer of growth, confidence-building and unforgettable experiences
• Want to develop transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication in an international environment

Camps generally run from mid-Jun to mid-August – but this can vary by camp and location.