Live in West London and interested in backstage and technical roles in Theatre?

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) are looking for young people aged 14-19 who live in West London to take part in Future Technicians, a free eight-week technical theatre course!

You will receive:

• Free practical sessions led by industry professionals, exploring Lighting, Sound, Stage Management, and Staging/Rigging.
• Tours and in depth insights into the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and LAMDA
• Free resources to support your creative and skill development during and post programme
• Post programme pathways into training, volunteering and employment opportunities
• A free group trip to see Play On! At the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre!

We are particularly interested in hearing from young people from the global majority, young people who are D/deaf and disabled, young people from low-income households (measured by access to Free School Meals in the last 6 years) and young people in care / care leavers as we recognise these groups are currently underrepresented in the technical theatre industries.

START is the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's free 6 week programme for young people aged 16 to 25, who live in West London, who are not currently in education, employment, or training.

START provides a space for you to creatively explore the world of performance, working over six weeks to create a new piece of theatre that responds to the themes of a Lyric Main House production, led by theatre professionals. Through engaging with drama activities, skill sharing, and watching live performances, our START cohort will build on their self-confidence, collaboration skills, emotional resilience, and self-esteem. Through this, the cohort will cultivate a group ethic of inclusivity, accessibility, encouragement, respect and affirmation. This project is underpinned by a Bronze Arts Award accreditation.

‘START let me explore my interests without anyone judging me, I just tried everything! It was so validating to just be myself, how I want to be. START was like making a family- now I feel like I can do anything.’ – Participant, 2024

What is START?

• START is a 4 day a week, 6 week programme for anyone who is interested in the creative arts and performing (this could be acting, creative writing, music, poetry, dance)
• It is open to 16 to 25 year olds in West London* who are NEET (not in employment, education or training)
• Over the 6 weeks, the cohort will be led by theatre professionals to create a new piece of theatre
• The Lyric provide a space for young people to build on their self-confidence, collaboration skills, emotional resilience, and self-esteem
• The 6 weeks of work accumulate in a performance for family & friends at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. This is professionally photographed for any portfolios/certificates needed.

Our introductory training course covering HDTV, film and theatre makeup and hair, along with hairdressing and barbering techniques.

Learn the essential skills you need to carve out a career as a professional makeup artist with our Foundation Certificate course. You’ll cover all the areas that you need to start your journey as a makeup and hair artist capable of working on film, TV and theatre productions.

Throughout this full time 14 week course you’ll gain an understanding of the key skills required by any makeup artist, from understanding the basics of makeup application, to creating inspired period and character looks and gory special effects. This course also includes experience working with facial hair application, body painting and basic barbering.

Our course tutors are extremely passionate about their industry, and you will learn from their endless knowledge. They have many years’ experience working on some of the best known films and TV productions in recent years. They will introduce you to the latest products and techniques that are relevant to today’s industry, so you can be sure you will be learning from the best.

Holidays of one to four weeks may be scheduled during your course at appropriate times and, therefore, the duration of your time with us could last from 15 to 18 weeks.