Each week will have a unique theme designed to inspire and challenge young people through Performing Arts (drama, dance, and singing) and Creative Arts (art, crafts, drawing painting, puppetry and more). This journey will encourage them to explore and express their opinions, thoughts, and emotions while delving into various aspects of the world around them. Whether through acting, dance, music, or visual arts, they will be invited to interrogate and interpret a specific societal issue, cultural topic, or local and personal experience, using their creative talents as a tool for deeper understanding. During the course of the 3 week summer school, participants will be asked to engage with questions such as:
Through this process, they will not only hone their artistic skills but also gain a more profound connection to the world, questioning and reshaping the narratives that shape their lives and communities.
The week culminates in an exciting performance, where everyone can showcase the incredible work they’ve created. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to grow their confidence, make new friends, and be part of an amazing collective effort.
Book before the 17th April 2026 to receive £20 off per week
Join Central for a free, 3-day taster of Drama School life at Liverpool Everyman.
Tuesday 7th April: From Model to Mark-up:
Backstage Theatre Skills, set design, scenic construction and technical theatre
Wednesday 8th April: From Script to Stage
Acting in Action, acting training, movement, voice and scene work.
Thursday 9th April: Making Original Performance
Drama and the Arts, creating performance about real issues and communities.
There is no charge for these sessions, and although these sessions are open to all - priority will be given to participants who meet one of the eligibility criteria.
Script in hand performances of work from writers based across Dorset. Our regular evenings of 3-4 extracts from scripts currently in development, performed for the first time in our Sherling Studio.
You can expect drama, comedy, experimentation, suspense, emotion and invention – though not necessarily all in the same script.
After the pieces have been performed, there is an opportunity to give feedback to the writers and have a drink. Presented in association with Dorset Scriptwriters. Lighthouse are always on the hunt for new material. If you have a piece that you would like to put forward, please get in touch.
The Young Playwrights Award is a free, open-access competition for any teenager in the UK interested in writing a play.
Your play can be about anything you want or imagine: something that inspires you, a story not told before, or ideas that challenge the world around you. To help you get the most out of the experience, we also offer support and advice at every step - including dedicated resources for schools and groups getting involved, and a free workshop at the Royal Court on Tuesday 31 March.
Context: Selina Thompson Ltd turns 10 this year and we want to celebrate a decade of art making, writing, being at stuff and our obsession with Birmingham. To do this we are hosting a party! Food! Booze! Bouncy Castles! Party Bags! And of course – performance.
The Party: The party will take place on Friday 11th September, at The Edge, Birmingham. There will be a small stage, some basic tech including access to a project, simple lighting and a sound system. There are also smaller spaces and an outdoor courtyard. Pre-visits can be arranged if useful for artists, but they are not expected. The party will take place from early evening, the STL will plan the programme responsively to the commissioned works. Commissioned artists will be expected to stay for the duration of the event.
Task: To make a ‘party piece’ that responds to one of the following five works from the Selina Thompson archive:
When we say a party piece, we either mean:
Some parameters:
With Emma Rice Company, The RSC and Belgrade Theatre Coventry.
Sound is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in theatre, and the sound team are key to the smooth delivery of this curious art form.
This practical technical course is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to run sound for live performance, whether you’re stepping into your first role as a sound technician or looking to build confidence in a production environment.
Across the course we’ll cover the core skills needed to operate sound in a theatre setting, from prep to performance. You’ll learn how to set up and run a modern digital mixing desk, including signal flow, patching, gain structure, EQ basics, routing, control groups and how to create a clean, reliable system that can survive the pressures of a live show. We’ll also explore QLab, teaching you how to build and organise a cue list, trigger cues safely, and manage sound playback with confidence. You’ll be guided through how to mark up a script properly for sound operation: identifying cues, writing clear notes, and developing the discipline of following the action of the show. We’ll also cover first-line troubleshooting, so you’re prepared to solve common problems quickly, from faulty cables and to radio dropouts and unexpected feedback. Radio mic handling will be included too, fitting radios, mic placement, basic backstage etiquette, and maintaining equipment during a run. By the end of the course you’ll have practical skills, real-world workflow, and the confidence to step into a theatre sound role and really start learning.
Please note that while preference will be given to applicants with a Midlands postcode, applications are welcomed from across the country. The course will be based at The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry and on this occasion, we are unable to offer any accommodation or travel subs.
ove theatre and want to learn more about what happens behind the scenes? Apply to join us for our very first Technical Summer Academy, running Mon 24 Aug - Fri 28 Aug. This will be a unique opportunity to explore the backstage world with our in‑house technical teams and visiting leading industry professionals, getting hands-on experience in stage, sound, lighting, projection, automation and rigging.
Across five hands‑on days, you’ll take part in practical workshops covering stage, sound, lighting, projection, automation and rigging, building real experience in the essential disciplines that bring productions to life.
The week culminates in a collaborative showcase in our brand‑new studio venue, The Nest, created with support from our technical team.
You’ll also get the rare chance to shadow our backstage teams on this year’s summer musical, My Fair Lady, learning how we deliver large‑scale productions.
If you’re interested in taking part in our Technical Summer Academy, please send a CV and covering letter (or video) to recruitment@cft.org.uk by 10pm on Sunday 19 April.
We are looking for 12 enthusiastic 18-30 year‑olds who are passionate about technical theatre. You don’t need qualifications or prior experience; just curiosity, commitment and the desire to explore a backstage career. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
If you have any questions about the application process or how the week will work, please email recruitment@cft.org.uk.
The course fee is £100, which will include lunch. Bursaries are available so cost should never be a barrier to applying.
Accommodation and travel expenses can be covered for those who are more than 45 miles from the theatre.
The only programme of its kind in the UK, our courses are designed for those with an interest in developing their performance skills and engagement with live theatre.
Initially a week-long acting summer school based in London, the Academy has grown over its 16 years to encompass a range of disciplines and locations. New Earth Academy plays a key role in addressing the under representation of ESEA artists on UK stages and screens as well as behind the scenes by providing a safe and supportive environment to gain access to professional training, develop new skills, join creative networks and engage with industry professionals.
In 2026 our courses will take place in London, Manchester, Liverpool and York and include training in Performing, Theatre Making and Producing and Playwriting. Please click on the links below for more information about each individual course.
If you have any questions about the programme, please read the FAQ below. If you require the documents to be in a different format or need any adjustments made in order to apply, please get in touch with us by emailing academy@newearththeatre.org.uk
New Earth Academy is delivered in partnership with The Lowry, our Strategic Partner, and Factory International/Aviva Studios, alongside HOME, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and York Theatre Royal. The programme is further supported by Horizons Collective, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Acting, Birmingham Hippodrome and Arts Council England.
There are a range of opportunities taking place across the UK listed below. Please head to the opportunity link to sign-up to the respective events.
New Earth Theatre Makers Academy - Greater Manchester - Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July
New Earth Theatre Makers Academy - York - Monday 6th July – Friday 10 July
Performing Shakespeare Academy - Monday 27th – Friday 31st July
Performers Academy - London - Monday 14th to Friday 18th July
Performers Academy Plus - London - Monday 20th July – Friday 24th July and Monday 27th – Friday 31st July
Theatre Makers Academy Plus - Greater Manchester and the North West
September 2025 to February 2026
Key Dates: (Applicants must be available to attend all below dates)
Weekend Residential 20th & 21st September 2025 at HOME
Masterclass 1 - Mon 20th October
Masterclass 2 - Mon 10th November
Masterclass 3 - Mon 8th December
Masterclass 4 - Weds 14th Jan
New Earth Academy Programmes in Salford & Greater Manchester are supported by Lowry, HOME and Factory International.
The Climate Playwriting Prize 2026 will uncover the most exciting new plays about the climate crisis, and support them to find their audiences.
We believe that playwrights have a vital role to play in the conversation around the climate. Theatre is a space for animating audiences, forming communities, and experimenting with form; a space for processing the past, articulating the present, and imagining the future. In order to surface the breadth and diversity of new stories about this planetary moment, the Climate Playwriting Prize is an open invitation to playwrights to respond creatively to this subject matter. Regional and touring theatre is playing a vital role in engaging audiences, and we are partnering with organisations all around the country to deliver workshops to writers, unlocking how they might want to tell their climate story.
This moment is marked by rising temperatures, escalating impacts of change on communities and ecosystems, but also by the potential for us to transform society for a flourishing, equitable future for all life. The need for new stories that help audiences grapple with the realities and possibilities of this crisis has never been clearer
In order to surface the breadth and diversity of new stories about this planetary moment, the Climate Playwriting Prize is an open invitation to playwrights to respond creatively to this subject matter. We are partnering with organisations all around the country to deliver workshops to writers, unlocking how they might want to tell their climate story.
The winning playwright will receive:
The Climate Playwriting Prize 2026 is funded by Climate Spring
Applications open in June 2026 with the deadline in September.
Head over to the opportunity page to read all about what is expected and any requirements.
Primary Play Your Part is a project providing newly commissioned playscripts to primary schools. The brand-new playscripts are written specifically for primary-aged students to perform. Along with a range of supporting online resources and CPD sessions, the project aims to guide primary schools through the process of creating their own in-school productions.
As part of the project, schools will receive:
We will be holding in-person CPD workshops at The Old Vic and online drop-in sessions to support teachers with their productions. A link to sign up to these will be shared once applications are complete.
In-person CPD workshops
Mon 23 Mar, 4.30–6.30pm: how to direct large casts of young actors
Wed 22 Apr, 4.30–6.30pm: how to sustainably design your show
These two-hour workshops will be led by industry professionals and will support schools and teachers to put on a successful show in their school.
Online drop-in sessions
Wed 25 Mar, 4.30–5.30pm: session one
Thu 23 Apr, 4.30–5.30pm: session two
These one-hour drop-in sessions will be led by The Old Vic’s Education Manager, offering help and support to schools and teachers on the programme.
