TheatreCraft, which is now part of the Get Into Theatre family, is bringing together leading UK theatre organisations to highlight the vital role of STEM skills in theatre and inspire the next generation of technical talent.
From 9-11 June 2026, TheatreCraft will showcase theatre STEM careers as part of Engineering UK’s Big Bang Fair, at the NEC Birmingham. This annual event, aimed at 10 to 12 year olds with their teachers, is the UK’s largest celebration of STEM for schools, and this year is expected to attract an audience of 22,000.
At the TheatreCraft stand, participating theatre venues and technical specialists will demonstrate how STEM skills are used across automation, lighting, sound design, digital media and production management. The interactive activities will give young people hands-on opportunities to learn, showcasing the practical application of science, technology and engineering within live performance environments.
From 7-10 July 2026, TheatreCraft ‘Next Generation’ will take over the Technicians’ Gallery at London’s Science Museum, as part of the museum’s Careers Uncovered programme.
This event will give young people, aged 7+ the opportunity to take part in practical demonstrations using professional theatre equipment, including sound mixing on a digital desk, follow-spot operation, moving light control systems, remote-controlled props, counterweight flying systems, and cueing a show from a prompt desk.
Across both events, industry technicians will lead demonstrations, offering insight into their roles and highlighting the skills and pathways available within technical theatre and live events.
This STEM-focused initiative is generously funded by Arts Council England. Organisations supporting TheatreCraft at the Big Bang and TheatreCraft Next Generation with staff and equipment are ABBA Voyage, Adlib, Birmingham Hippodrome, LW Theatres, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, National Theatre, Nederlander Theatres, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Ballet and Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company, Unusual Rigging and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Together, these organisations aim to demonstrate that theatre depends on a wide range of STEM-based expertise, from engineering and automation to digital systems and production technology.
Clare Annamalai, co-CEO of Get Into Theatre, said:
“TheatreCraft at the Big Bang and TheatreCraft Next Generation are all about broadening horizons and showing young people a range of jobs that they never knew existed. By giving young people the chance to get hands-on with theatre kit we’ll spark their curiosity. By doing this in non-theatre spaces we’ll reach young people who might not otherwise have considered theatre, and by engaging parents and teachers in the conversation we’ll help to explode some of the myths that persist about theatre careers.”
Bryan Raven, a longtime supporter of TheatreCraft from his time as Managing Director at White Light, said:
“TheatreCraft is about showing young people that technical theatre combines creativity with real-world STEM skills. Whether it’s lighting, sound, automation, video or stage management, these events give young people the opportunity to work with professional equipment and meet the technicians behind live performance. We want students to see that the skills they develop in science, technology, engineering and maths can lead to exciting and sustainable careers in theatre and live events. There are so many transferable skills between STEM subjects and the theatre industry, and I have always been proud to be working alongside so many theatre organisations across the sector working together to champion those pathways.”
School groups can attend The Big Bang Fair free of charge through advance booking.
TheatreCraft Next Generation will include both pre-booked school sessions and public drop-in access during scheduled hours.
Further information about TheatreCraft and upcoming careers events is available via the TheatreCraft website.
