Mountview is currently the only UK drama school to offer Directing, Dramatic Writing and Producing as three distinct, specialised pathways within a single, unified Creative Practice MA framework. The course is designed for multi-hyphenate practitioners who are excited by collaboration and meeting the demands of the twenty-first century creative industries.
By bringing directors, writers and producers into one ecosystem, the course mirrors the professional world by fostering creative partnerships through shared engagement with modes of collaboration, creative enterprise, dramatic structures and critical contexts.
Students on the Dramatic Writing pathway develop an in-depth knowledge of dramatic structures and the core competencies for writing across different forms and styles. The course develops an understanding and critical awareness of current practice through engagement with industry practitioners and academics. You will be mentored by award-winning playwright Roy Williams OBE (Death of England National Theatre, Sucker Punch Royal Court), who oversees aspects of the course as Distinguished Visiting Artist.
The course concludes with the opportunity to put your learning into practice through the staging of a public facing, fully-realised festival of new work. VIEW Festival allows students to develop their pathway specific skills while also collaborating closely with the Producing, Directing and Performance students.
Our MA Creative Practice graduates leave with an established network of industry contacts and prepared for high-impact careers as Playwrights, Screenwriters, Dramaturgs, Directors, Creative Leaders, Theatre Makers, Artistic Directors, Commercial and Independent Producers and Venue Leaders.
STAFF AND PRACTITIONERS
The Creative Practice teaching team is led by Hamish Pirie and Dawn Ingleson as Joint Course Leaders, alongside Roy Williams as Distinguished Visiting Artist. Dawn worked extensively at the National Theatre as a creative producer and has also taught at LSBU, while Hamish’s directing credits include work at the Royal Court, Donmar Warehouse, Paines Plough and Traverse Theatre. Roy is a multi-award winning writer whose credits include Death of England: The Plays (National Theatre), The Lonely Londoners (Kiln and Jermyn Street Theatre) and Sucker Punch (Royal Court, Olivier Award nomination).
In addition to working alongside the core teaching team, MA Creative Practice students also benefit from industry masterclasses specific to their pathway, led by the world’s most prestigious creative powerhouses. Recent MA Creative Practice sessions have featured:
Develop your independence and employability with Three Compost Bins and A Theatre (For Now)
Do you want to be able to run your own indie tech? Do you want to learn the basics of lights and sound? Do you want to be more employable in the live events economy? Do you want access to a lending library of technical resources to make your own work?
Local indie theatre companies Three Compost Bins and A Theatre (For Now) are joining forces on a grassroots Live Tech Skills Lab this summer that is mentored by local legend Tom Robbins and taking place at Sheffield Theatres.
Dates:
2pm-6pm Sat 25 July - Light
2pm-6pm Sat 08 August - Sound
2pm-6pm Sat 22 August - Production
Each session is £15, or you can book all three at a discount for £40. Register by completing the form linked below.
Is cost a barrier? We are offering two free places. They will be randomly allocated from eligible registrations by Sun 05 July.
Places are limited so book early to guarantee your spot!
The Bill Cashmore Award offers a paid opportunity for two new one-act plays by writers aged 18-30, to be professionally produced at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
The two winning plays will run as a double bill and will be performed by the Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company and Young SixSix in April 2027, and the Lyric’s SPRINGBOARD trainee actors in August 2027.
The award is kindly supported by the Bill Cashmore Award Founder Sasha Bates.
We particularly welcome submissions from those who are underrepresented in theatre and/or situated in areas culturally underserved.
The two successful writers will:
The Opera North Youth Orchestra (ONYO) forms part of the Opera North Youth Company. It serves to help dedicated young musicians transition from further or higher education into the professional world of music.
Drawing inspiration from the orchestral and opera work of Opera North, the Youth Orchestra prepares and performs two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year. Rehearsing in the Orchestra of Opera North rehearsal studios, the Youth Orchestra provides opportunities to learn the musical and non-musical intricacies of working within a high-level orchestra whilst gaining further experience with orchestral and operatic repertoire.
Central to the programming of the Opera North Youth Orchestra is creating opportunities for the ensemble to work together and perform with soloists, conductors and ensembles from Opera North’s performing company. The Orchestra is led by conductor Oliver Rundell, and sections are coached by members of the orchestra of Opera North. Repertoire in the 26-27 Season will include:
Project 1: Dewsbury Town Hall, 1 November 2026, 3.30pm
Paul Dukas Fanfare from ‘La Péri’
Edward Elgar Serenade for Strings
Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
Arvo Pärt Fratres
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17
Project 2: Dewsbury Town Hall, Sunday 21 March 2027, 3.30pm
Doreen Carwithens ‘Bishop Rock’ Overture
Richard Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, Op.11
Amy Beach Symphony in E minor (Gaelic Symphony), Op.32
Members benefit from mentorship from the musicians and artistic team of Opera North, in addition to connecting with a variety of professional orchestral and opera conductors. The Opera North Youth Orchestra is designed to complement participants’ existing study schedule, rehearsing during school and university holidays and on selected weekends over the academic year.
The Orchestra currently has vacancies for the following instruments*:
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
Woodwind: Bassoon
Brass: French Horn
Percussion* Depending on current membership, some instruments may not be auditioned this term. If your instrument is not listed, you are welcome to apply to register your interest for future opportunities.
If you play an orchestral instrument not listed above, please fill in the application form if you would like to register your interest for any future opportunity to audition.
Eligibility
Project 1 will be open to musicians aged 15-21 and performing at Grade 7+ standard on their instrument. Project 2 will be open to musicians aged 16-21 and performing at Grade 8 standard. Please refer to the FAQs section below for more information.
Application deadline
Friday 18 September
(Applications received after this date will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to vacancies)
Audition date
Saturday 26 September
How to apply
Complete the application form at the top of this page, making sure you’ve noted the audition date and requirements.
If you have any questions please get in with touch with Youth Orchestra team via onyo@operanorth.co.uk.
The Opera North Youth Orchestra (ONYO) forms part of the Opera North Youth Company. It serves to help dedicated young musicians transition from further or higher education into the professional world of music.
Drawing inspiration from the orchestral and opera work of Opera North, the Youth Orchestra prepares and performs two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year. Rehearsing in the Orchestra of Opera North rehearsal studios, the Youth Orchestra provides opportunities to learn the musical and non-musical intricacies of working within a high-level orchestra whilst gaining further experience with orchestral and operatic repertoire and having fun!
Players travel from all over the North and Midlands to gain experience, make new friends and great music!
Rehearsal dates for the 26-27 academic year are as follows:
Autumn term – Project 1
Sunday 11 October 2026
Saturday 24 October
Sunday 25 October
Wednesday 28 October
Thursday 29 October
Friday 30 October
Sunday 1 November – Concert: Dewsbury Town Hall
Spring term – Project 2
Sunday 24th January 2027
Sunday 7th February
Sunday 21st February
Sunday 7th March
Saturday 20th March
Sunday 21 March – Concert: Dewsbury Town Hall
Role Description
A Lifting Equipment Inspector is a competent person employed to conduct safety inspections of all lifting equipment used in entertainment rigging operations. For the purposes of this scheme, inspection is defined as the examination, assessment, and verification of lifting or suspension equipment – including accessories – used in tension for lifting or supporting display, production, performance, or event technical requirements, as to ensure compliance with relevant standards, safety requirements, and operational suitability.
Outcome
It is intended that on successful completion of the full term of the scheme, the candidate will have attained the range of skills, knowledge and experience that will enable them to undertake the role of an internal and on-site Lifting Equipment Inspector with competence and confidence having achieved a Rigging Team Certificate of Competence which is supported by qualifications gained through accredited courses and diplomas such as LEEA.
Duration of Scheme
The programme will typically last 18 months.
This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of our industry, additional hours may be required.
Location
Whilst there is an expectation that as candidates progress through the scheme they will have to travel to site, this opportunity will be based at Rigging Team’s head office in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Renumeration
Candidates will be paid at least the appropriate National Living Wage for their age. This can increase progressively as specific targets are achieved throughout the scheme.
Candidates will receive all training, certification, necessary work equipment and PPE free of charge and will be able to take their personal equipment with them at the end of the scheme. If the candidate should leave or be dismissed prior to completing the full term of the scheme then Rigging Team will look to recover all training, certification, and equipment costs directly from the candidate.
Provisional Timeline
0-6 months Candidates will be based within the warehouse in order to gain familiarity with equipment and procedures before moving onto internal inspections and learn inspection procedures.
6-12 months Once candidates show an aptitude and understanding of lifting equipment, they will spend time shadowing our inspection team in addition to supporting the warehouse team.
12-18 months Candidates will be expected to continue supporting our warehouse team and work on-site assisting our inspection team, building skills, competency and evidence towards the Rigging Team Certificate of Competence. Candidate will spend
some time within the office in order to gain an understanding of the project management, operational and support roles.
Candidates will be expected to achieve the Rigging Team Certificate of Competence alongside accredited courses and diplomas, such as LEEA, and continue to work at Rigging Team Ltd as a Lifting Equipment Inspector whilst continuing to support our warehouse team.
Important Note: This timeline is for indicative purposes only and is subject to change without notice based on the actual performance of the trainee throughout the programme, including, but not limited to, learning aptitude, assessment results and general operational performance.
Training Courses and Assessments
Training courses and assessments will be ongoing throughout the term of the scheme. The order and timing of these will be such as to give a natural progression to the training. Course availability and operational requirements may have an impact.
A non-exhaustive list of training and courses that may be covered is:
Application
To register your interest in this training scheme, please email careers@riggingteam.com
Role Description
A Live Event Rigger is a competent person employed to carry out rigging operations. For the purposes of this scheme, rigging is defined as the installation, removal, or other activity using lifting, or suspension equipment, or accessories used in tension for lifting or supporting display, production, performance, or event technical requirements.
Outcome
It is intended that on successful completion of the full term of the scheme, the candidate will have attained the range of skills, knowledge and experience that will enable them to undertake the role of a Live Event Rigger with competence and confidence and also have achieved National Rigging Certificate (NRC) Level 2.
Due to the diverse work undertaken by Rigging Team, the candidate may have the opportunity to gain additional skills in areas such as performer flying, anchor installation/testing and equipment inspection.
Duration of Scheme
The programme will typically last 24 months.
This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of our industry, additional hours may be required.
Location
Whilst there is an expectation that as candidates progress through the scheme they will have to travel to site, this opportunity will be based at Rigging Team’s head office in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Renumeration
Candidates will be paid at least the appropriate National Living Wage for their age. This will increase progressively as specific targets are achieved throughout the scheme.
Candidates will receive all training, certification, necessary work equipment and PPE free of charge and will be able to take their personal equipment with them at the end of the scheme. If the candidate should leave or be dismissed prior to completing the full term of the scheme then Rigging Team will look to recover all training, certification, and equipment costs directly from the candidate.
Provisional Timeline
0-6 months Candidate will be based within the warehouse in order to gain familiarity with equipment and procedures.
6-12 months Once candidates show an aptitude and understanding of rigging equipment, they will spend time on site shadowing our team of riggers and inspectors in addition to supporting the warehouse team.
12-24 months Candidate will be expected to support our warehouse team and work on site assisting our team of riggers or inspectors, building skills and evidence towards the NRC Level 2 assessment. Candidate will spend some time within the office in
order to gain an understanding of the project management, operational and support roles.
Candidate will be expected to achieve NRC Level 2 and continue to work on site as a rigger or inspector whilst continuing to support our warehouse team.
Important Note: This timeline is for indicative purposes only and is subject to change without notice based on the actual performance of the trainee throughout the programme, including, but not limited to, learning aptitude, assessment results and general operational performance.
Training Courses and Assessments
Training courses and assessments will be ongoing throughout the term of the scheme; the order and timing of these will be such as to give a natural progression to the training. Course availability and operational requirements may have an impact.
A non-exhaustive list of training and courses that may be covered is:
Anyone who is interested in this scheme can get in touch by sending a copy of their CV or details of experience to careers@riggingteam.com
This course has been designed to provide trainees with the appropriate skills and knowledge to work at height safely using personal fall protection equipment and fall protection systems and undertake a rescue of an operative that has fallen or become incapacitated and is suspended in their harness. The course includes selection of equipment, pre-use inspection, anchor types and methods of work at height and fall arrest, rescuing a casualty from fall arrest and work positioning lanyards using prepacked rescue equipment, specifically the Petzl JAG rescue kit.
Dates available
Mon 6 - Tues 7 July
Mon 7 - Tues 8 September
Thurs 15 - Fri 16th October
Mon 9 -Tues 10 November
Mon 7 - Tues 8 December
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
The BA (Hons) Top-Up is open to Mountview students currently studying on the FdA course, as well as non-Mountview graduates with relevant qualifications and experience from another technical training provider.
Mountview also offers a two-year Foundation degree (FdA) which provides fast-track training,
Mountview produces over 25 in-house productions each year in our state-of-the-art theatres, giving Stage Management students a vast array of learning experiences.
Students take on practical show roles in Mountview’s in-house productions, with responsibilities including:
Stage managers are the glue that holds a production together. Their many responsibilities include running communication across all creative and technical departments, acting as a right hand to the director, overseeing sets, props, lights, and sound, and calling all technical cues during performances.
Mountview is internationally recognised for the quality of its Musical Theatre training and produces at least 8 large-scale musicals in-house every year, providing Stage Management students with extensive experience of the musical format.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
The BA (Hons) Top-Up course is designed for students who have completed a foundation degree or equivalent in a technical production discipline. With at least 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks, the course offers intensive, hands-on training in a professional environment.
From the start, students will take on senior technical roles in Mountview’s public productions, working closely with professional directors, choreographers, designers and technicians. Students will gain experience in senior Stage Management roles, while continuing to develop a broad range of technical skills. All learning is rooted in practical experience, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and adaptability.
Alongside production work, students complete an extended research project in their chosen area of interest, submitted at the end of the course.
