Hackney Empire are looking for young musicians aged 17 to 30 to take part in their Trainee Musical Director programme designed to demystify the role of the Musical Director (MD).

What you’ll gain:

They are looking for people who are:

Observing Jack and the Beanstalk:

Their 2026 pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Sun 22 Nov – Thu 31 Dec and during this time, you will watch at least one preview performance to observe the Musical Director. A date will be mutually agreed in advance.

Deadline: 9am, Monday 3 August

Steve Wilson of Live & Local will lead a workshop about rural touring, a sector that has been around since the days of Shakespeare. Steve will take you through rural touring and the work of Live & Local and will explore how to get your work on both theirs and other schemes.

Topics will include subject material, marketing, pricing and the local and national rural touring picture. There will also be a practical element of the workshop with attendees  exploring ideas and themes in a friendly group environment.

Date: Tuesday 1 September

Time: 6pm-9pm

Steve Wilson has been working professionally in the arts for over 25 years and as well as working in rural touring has also been an arts funder, a writer, director and producer. He also performs too!  He is also a  director of Crave Arts, a professional arts company based in Worcester. As well as doing theatre work, he supports Spurs (which has aged him), plays badminton (which ages his knees) and likes to tell jokes (which ages everyone else). 

Finding the Story Through the Body with Keiren Hamilton-Amos.

This workshop introduces participants to movement as a language of storytelling. Through practical exploration, participants will develop the foundations to understand how the body communicates, creates meaning and supports character, narrative and ensemble work.

Using devising techniques, physical exploration and collaborative exercises, the workshop will explore how movement can generate ideas, build relationships and reveal stories beyond words. Participants will work with the body as a creative tool developing awareness, confidence and the ability to create expressive physical choices.

The session will explore ensemble movement, storytelling through the body and the foundations of movement practice, giving participants tools they can carry into acting, devising and performance-making.

Date: Thursday 30 July

Time: 6pm – 9pm

Young Directors is a 10-week introduction to directing live performance course for young people aged 13-17, hosted by Northern Stage.

The sessions consist of a series of interactive workshops, masterclasses with industry professionals, and opportunities to see shows at Northern Stage.

Young Directors will learn all about the essentials of directing live performance – from learning how to work with actors to exploring scripts and discovering the kind of theatre you’d like to create. No previous experience needed – just bring along your desire to discover more about different ways to make theatre!

Deadline to apply: Sunday 16 August

The cost of the course varies depending on your circumstances. Northern Stage have created a payment scale (see below) to help you identify which fee is appropriate for you. Fees cover the cost of the 10 sessions as well as tickets to selected performances at Northern Stage as part of the programme.

Fees are required to be paid in advance of starting the course and more information about how to do this will follow if you are successfully selected to take part.

Standard fee: £150 (If you have the means to pay for the full value of the course)
Discounted fee: £90 (If you do not have the means to pay for the full value of the course)

Bursary places: FREE*

*Bursary places are limited and bursary applications from young people from a low-socioeconomic background, from the global majority or with a disability will be prioritised, in line with Northern Stage’s strategic priorities. As part of a bursary place, we can also support with the cost of travelling to and from sessions.

Young Designers is a 10-week course for young people aged 13-17, hosted by Northern Stage.

Explore how designers bring theatre to life in their weekly introductory masterclasses! Guided by industry professionals, you’ll get hands-on experience in costume design, hair and make-up design, and work with elements of technical theatre.

This course will focus on design for live performance, and you’ll learn skills applicable to theatre, film, TV, live music, and other visual art forms. Sessions are led by the experienced Northern Stage team, and you’ll work alongside guest artists and creatives working professionally in the region. 

Understand the principles of designing and sourcing costumes for performance. Develop costume ideas, create mood boards, observe demonstrations, experiment with different design techniques, build your own costumes, try your hand at special effects makeup. You’ll work towards a mini exhibition at the end of the course to showcase your skills. No previous experience needed – just bring along your enthusiasm for creating!

Deadline to apply: Sunday 16 August

The cost of the course varies depending on your circumstances. Northern Stage have created a payment scale (see below) to help you identify which fee is appropriate for you. Fees cover the cost of the 10 sessions as well as tickets to selected performances at Northern Stage as part of the programme.

Fees are required to be paid in advance of starting the course and more information about how to do this will follow if you are successfully selected to take part.

Standard fee: £150 (If you have the means to pay for the full value of the course)

Discounted fee: £90 (If you do not have the means to pay for the full value of the course)

Bursary places: FREE*

*Bursary places are limited and bursary applications from young people from a low-socioeconomic background, from the global majority or with a disability will be prioritised, in line with Northern Stage’s strategic priorities. As part of a bursary place, we can also support with the cost of travelling to and from sessions.

About OpenView Education

OpenView Education is a dynamic Theatre in Education Company. Our mission is to empower students to lead successful, happy lives.

Since 2018, OpenView Education has grown to work with over 100,000 students a year, delivering drama-led PSHE workshops that schools ask us back for, year after year. 

That growth isn't slowing down, and we're looking for self-employed facilitators and performers to work with us.

 

“They are the best company. Honestly I'm saying this from the bottom of my heart. They're such an incredible company.”  - OpenView Education Facilitator

 

As a company we are proud to have an excellent relationship with our facilitators, working in a collaborative way and setting them up to succeed.

 

6 Reasons Why Performers Love Working With OpenView Education:

  1. You Matter: The work you do with OpenView matters - feel fulfilled at the end of your day knowing you're doing important work.
  2. Make a Difference: Use your skills as a performer to empower young people to live successful, happy lives and see the positive impact you have.
  3. Connection: We pride ourselves on having a positive relationship with our facilitators. You'll feel recognised and valued for your individual input.
  4. Learn New Skills and Excel as a Performer: We provide full training for every project, including the opportunity to gain puppeteering experience.
  5. Flexiblility to fit around other projects: Book in project dates with OpenView Education allowing time to work on other projects. 
  6. Return to well-paid work, year after year. You'll have the opportunity to come back for future bookings each year.

 

“I feel like I've really improved my puppetry skills because I'm doing it all the time.” - OpenView Education Facilitator

 

What a typical day is like as an OpenView Education Facilitator

Every booking is different, and the above structure is an example. But one thing's for sure - you’ll always feel well prepared, supported and ready to empower your students!

 

Who We are Looking For

We are seeking reliable facilitators that are happy to work independently. Although you will work independently in the role, we are always available to support you.

We are particularly interested in hearing from actors and facilitators in the following areas:

Essential:

All performers must have:

Desirable:

Every person we work with is important and valued. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive working environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. 

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, which reflect the diverse communities of young people and schools we serve.

It's time to get excited about your next project - apply today.

 

Production details

For this role, we are looking for facilitators with availability during the following weeks:

You don't need to be available for all of these dates and work can be allocated around other projects that you may already have in place. 

 

Fees are:

Most bookings are full days.

Plus travel contributions.

 

Casting details:

Zoom Audition:

This will be a first round group interview on Zoom.  It will last approximately 20 minutes.

In-Person Group Audition:

The second round will be an in person group audition at a London Location. 

This will be an activities based audition, you will also perform an excerpt from two of our Workshops. 

This round will last approximately three hours.

We aim to make our in-person auditions supportive, interactive and fun - we’re sure you’ll enjoy the day.

 

Further Information:

 

Apply Now

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage applying as ealy as possible.

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Illuminate Drama Teacher CPD Day is back for its fifth year on the South Coast!

Join us in person for a full day of inspiring workshops, featuring exciting opportunities to meet and talk with theatre education specialists, industry professionals, and fellow drama teachers.

This year we will have three workshops throughout the day that will each take a deep dive into different practices over the course of two hours. You will get to partake in all the following workshops:

Workshops will take place across both of our venues: Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios.

There will also be the exclusive opportunity to see Blood Brothers at Mayflower Theatre for an additional £20 to round off a theatrical and inspiring day!

Please note spaces are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis. Payment must be made before Friday 19 December 2026 otherwise your place will be released.

Week 1 of Summer:

Jersey Week 1 (8-21years): Tuesday 21st July - Sunday 26th 2026

Week 2 of Summer:

Jersey Week 2 (8-21years): Tuesday 28th - Sunday 2nd August 2026

Brighton Week 1 (Year 3-13): Tuesday 28th - Sunday 2nd August 2026

Brighton Weeny Week 1 (Reception to Year 12): Wednesday 29th July - Sunday 2nd August 2026

Week 3 of Summer:

Brighton Week 2 (Year 3-13): Tuesday 4th August - Sunday 9th August 2026

Brighton Weeny Week 2 (Reception- Year 2): Wednesday 5th August - Sunday 9th August 2026

Birmingham (Year 3- Year 13): Tuesday 4th August - Saturday 8th August 2026

Birmingham Weeny (Reception- Year 12): Wednesday 5th August - Saturday 8th August 2026

Week 4 of Summer:

Watford Summer School (7- 18years): Monday 10th August - Friday 14th August 2026

Watford Weeny Summer School (4-6years): Tuesday 11th August - Friday 14th August 2026

Week 5 of summer:

Saffron Walden (Year 3- 11): Monday 17th August - Saturday 21st August 2026

Unity Theatre are offering a 2 day theatre workshop for kids this July! ⁠

A chance to spend a few days exploring drama at the Unity, meet new friends, enjoy games, create characters, puppetry and more with brilliant practitioners. All abilities welcome.

Date: 27 & 28 July

Time: 10.30am - 4.00pm

Location: Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, L1 9BG

A three-day introductory course for cis and trans women and non-binary individuals aged 18+, offering practical backstage training for those interested in starting a career in technical theatre.

Participants gain hands-on experience across core technical areas, including stage work, hemp flying, knots, lighting, and sound setup and operation. The course also explores entry routes into backstage roles, including apprenticeships and casual technician positions.

Designed for those with an interest in technical theatre, including people with some prior amateur or professional experience, the course focuses on building practical skills and confidence in a live production environment.

A limited number of subsidised places are available to improve access, with support offered for those facing financial barriers. Participants can apply for a £75 subsidised place or contact the team directly if cost is a barrier.

Cost: £150

Dates: 21 - 23 August

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