This 2-year, part-time MA is a creative and challenging exploration into the power of socially engaged arts. We aim to develop the next generation of cultural leaders and interdisciplinary theatre practitioners. Graduates will lead the way in providing meaningful, inclusive arts experiences that address social, political and educational issues in a broad range of settings.
The course offers a holistic programme that invites creative reflection on the power of storytelling for social transformation. Students address complex issues in critical and creative ways, considering the role of arts in education, migration and exile, health and building communities. You’ll engage with course learning through practical exploration, collaboration, group discussion, independent study and reflective practice.
Delivered part-time, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including professionals working in youth, community and/or education settings as well as performers looking to develop and diversify their practice.
VISITING AND GUEST PRACTITIONERS
In addition to the core Mountview team, students work with visiting lecturers and practitioners from a range world-class organisations. These include Turtle Key Arts, Punchdrunk Enrichment, Complicité, Clod Ensemble, Unicorn Theatre, Clean Break, Theatre Peckham, Candoco Dance Company, Brixton House, Wales Millenium Centre, Tate Modern, Glasshouse Theatre and Access All Areas.
Topics covered by visiting lecturers are varied and include:
Students are supported to discover placements for their independent research projects based on their specific interests and emerging ideas and practice. Recent partnerships include Newham Children In Care Council, Little Fish Theatre Company and Tropical Pressure Festival, among others.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
There is one day of in-person teaching each week, with one additional Friday and Saturday each term.
Throughout the course students develop skills in critical thinking, facilitating, devising, leading, producing, discussing and teaching creatively and imaginatively. Study involves workshops, lectures and seminars as well as independent collaborative and solo practice/research. Students are assigned weekly reading materials to digest course themes and engage in learning through independent study.
Reciprocal and collaborative learning is embedded into course practice. Students are provided with opportunities to design and lead practical workshops for one another, to bring topics for facilitated discussion with their Course Leader and to choose areas of focus for specific assessments, based on their interests and experiences.
Practical areas of study include collaborative and ensemble techniques, forum theatre, arts for wellbeing, devised theatre, inclusive and trauma informed practices, arts and money, decolonial feminist approaches, facilitating in multilingual and multifaith spaces, and ethics in artistic practice.
Students gain practical experience running workshops in schools, both in Peckham and further afield – previous locations include Spain and Nigeria.
Students engage in a wide range of texts such as Theatre of the Oppressed by Augusto Boal, Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom by bell hooks and Theatre for Living: The Art and Science of Community-Based Dialogue by David Diamond.
Assessments are varied and include essays, talks, education packs, presentations, and workshop samples.
Overview
Weekly acting classes for LGBTQIA+ people at The Two Brewers, Clapham. Mondays: 6:30–10pm with award-winning theatre director, Andrew Keates
Queer Theatre invites you to join our weekly acting classes for LGBTQIA+ people, held every Monday from 7pm to 10m at the iconic queer venue, The Two Brewers in Clapham. Led by award-winning theatre director Andrew Keates, our classes welcome LGBTQIA+ people of all acting abilities, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic beginners. What matters most to us, is building a queer community of performers in a place where we can play and grow together.
Our acting classes serve as a queer theatre lab, a safe and creative space where LGBTQ+ theatre-makers can come together to:
Hone Acting and Performance Skills: Learn about performance styles and acting techniques.
Explore Through Play: Participate in creative improvisation games and exercises designed to foster self-discovery and collaborative play.
Delve into LGBTQ+ Material: Work with scripts, themes and devise work that reflects LGBTQIA+ people, experiences and themes.
Build a Supportive Network: Make friends and join a nurturing community that supports your artistic and personal growth.
Discover Opportunities: Gain access to Queer Theatre's array of events, such as our Queer Play Reading Club, Queer Variety Night, trips, social events and networking opportunities.
Industry Showcase: We dedicate several months a year to preparing our acting class students to perform in our OutCast showcases of queer actors and writing. We invite friends, loved ones and people from the performing arts industry such as agents and casting directors to see our work and many have received agent representation and professional opportunities as actors and writers.
Every year, Mountview awards a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students with the costs of study, made possible thanks to generous individuals, trusts and foundations.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of talent, potential and financial need and designed to ensure that cost is not a barrier to study.
In 25/26, 1 in 3 students received a scholarship with the average award being £3,250.
We usually receive far more applications for scholarship funding than we have available, so we encourage you to seek other funding opportunities as well and will provide support and guidance to do so.
Find out more about Funding and Scholarships at Mountview.
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:
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
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.
