Creating equitable access to the industry is a core Donmar value. CATALYST is a professional development programme for those who have been historically underrepresented at the Donmar and within the sector. We are interested in supporting artists who identify as being a part of the global majority, trans, non-binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio-economic background. The programme provides key professional development for these artists to catapult their careers to the next level, preparing them to thrive and lead in the theatre sector.

About the role:

As a part of the Donmar’s CATALYST professional development training programme, the role is an opportunity for outstanding, early-career artists to receive bespoke training, both practical and observational, by assisting the Sound Designer to realise the sound design for a Donmar production. The goal is to gain insight into a high-level production process while developing and strengthening your skills and artistic voice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Along with the creative team, attend and take notes at rehearsals and production meetings
• Attend meetings at the Sound Designer’s or other studio or recording locations
• Attend technical rehearsals and previews, assisting as necessary
• Assist the Sound Designer and Production with speaker and patch plans 
• Serve as a proactive member of the creative team, willing to fill any gaps that arise

As part of the training programme, you will receive:

• Access to mentorship from a leading practitioner in the development of a large scale, ambitious production
• Mentoring support from the Head of Inclusion and Skills 
• Company-wide investment in your professional development where we encourage you to connect with the wider Donmar community as much as possible to gain insight into the sector at large
• A 1-hour mentoring session with a leading theatre maker post-contract 
• Access to a vibrant and active Donmar trainee alumni community of emerging directors and designers which includes post-contract invites to networking mixers and Donmar productions, ongoing coaching and mentorship as needed, as well as other learning and professional development opportunities from our sector partners and beyond

Terms and Dates

This is a paid opportunity. Fixed Term Freelance Contract, 25-27 days between 31st August & 20th October 2026 at £135 per day (+ 1.5 day rate during tech week) 

Turtle Key Arts are excited to launch the Joy Artist Development Programme, a new development opportunity for disabled artists as part of Joy Festival 2026.

The Joy Artist Development Programme will support four emerging disabled artists in developing their professional artistic career and practice. The programme will offer 4 artists a programme of 1:1 mentoring, networking, professional seminars with leading disability arts organisations, plus rehearsal time culminating in a performance slot during the Joy Festival Studio performance week in October.

Please read the full information on the programme before applying. All the information can be found on their website including the information pack (full PDF, word & BSL versions)

Key information 

Applications open: Friday 17 July, 10am

Applications close: Monday 17 August, 10am

Informal chats/interviews: w/c 17 August, by arrangement*

Programme start date: 4 September 2026

*Please note we will offer to have short, informal conversations with candidates whose applications we would like to know more about. You may be accepted onto the programme without a chat with the team, or we may invite you to talk to us about your idea if we feel we need further clarification.

How to apply

You can apply to the Artist Development Programme via their online application, or submit a word document via email.

Lighting Esesntials is an in-person training event from ETC, a leading manufacturer of professional lighting control systems, fixtures, networking solutions, and rigging technology for the entertainment industry. Designed for anyone who is passionate about working in lighting and lighting design, or who wants to learn more about the art and craft of stage lighting, this course provides an accessible introduction to the industry.

Whether you are new to the industry or just curious about what the ‘lampies’ actually do, this session is for you.

We cover a broad range of topics including stage lighting principles, fundamentals of design, colour theory, lighting fixtures and much more. There is also the opportunity to get hands-on with ETC's latest products.

Lighting Essentials is an in-person training event from ETC, a leading manufacturer of professional lighting control systems, fixtures, networking solutions, and rigging technology for the entertainment industry. Designed for anyone who is passionate about working in lighting and lighting design, or who wants to learn more about the art and craft of stage lighting, this course provides an accessible introduction to the industry

Whether you are new to the industry or just curious about what the ‘lampies’ actually do, this session is for you.

We cover a broad range of topics including stage lighting principles, fundamentals of design, colour theory, lighting fixtures and much more. There is also the opportunity to get hands-on with ETC's latest products.

Course date: 27 August 2026

A free digital resource celebrating the work of William Shakespeare, developed to bring audiences into direct contact with Shakespeare's language in an immediate and engaging way for students, teachers, actors and anyone with an interest in the plays.

Whether used in the classroom, for exam preparation, independent study or simply to inspire a love of Shakespeare, the library offers a fresh way to engage with these extraordinary works.

The library is available to access online free of charge.

Ready to build your skills and take the next step in your career?

ETC is a leading manufacturer of professional lighting control systems, fixtures, networking solutions, and rigging technology for the entertainment industry. Whether you're just starting out in stage lighting, looking to develop your Eos or Hog console programming skills, or wanting to gain a better understanding of entertainment networking and show control, our hands-on training courses are designed to help you grow with confidence.

Led by ETC's experienced Training and Outreach team, our sessions combine practical learning with real-world workflows and access to the latest technology. We also offer bespoke training programmes for venues, production companies, education providers, and larger teams.

Visit our website to explore upcoming course dates, find the right training for your experience level, and book your place. Training courses are held regularly at our London office, with additional sessions at other locations across the UK offered throughout the year.

ETC’s Eos family of lighting consoles delivers powerful and flexible control for theatre, live events, broadcast, and production environments. Eos Essentials is a free, two-day introductory training course designed to build a strong foundation in programming for the Eos platform.

This hands-on session covers core and advanced features, helping you develop practical programming skills and confidence across the full Eos family, including ETCnomad, Element, Element 2, Ion, Ion Xe, Gio @5, Gio, Eos Ti, and Apex.

Training courses are held regularly at our London office, with additional sessions offered at locations across the UK throughout the year.

Sessions are available on various dates from 27/07/2026 - 25/09/2026.

Chichester Festival Theatre believe positive change can be ignited by young people. They endeavour to create an atmosphere where debate and collaboration are celebrated, where young people’s voices are heard and where there is the space and opportunity to think boldly and dynamically about how best to drive Chichester Festival Theatre towards a diverse, inspiring and exciting future.

They are looking for four innovative and driven young people between the ages of 16-25 to join their current members of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and help think creatively about how the Theatre can work to welcome diverse and dynamic audiences. It doesn’t matter whether you have previously engaged with the Theatre or not, they want to hear from people with a variety of interests, which may include the arts.

The YAB will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Festival Theatre’s Board of Trustees, taking part in a two-way conversation on how best to make the Theatre a more inviting and exciting place for young people.

Sound like something you would like to get involved in? Please visit their website for full details and the application form to apply.

A great opportunity to learn about the basic techniques of puppetry and how to bring a story to life using this theatrical device.

With insight into the Made At Curve productions that utilised this method, such as PIRATES LOVE UNDERPANTS and THE OWL THAT CAME FOR CHRISTMAS, are you ready to take on a creative challenge that will be full of fun, storytelling and amazing characters?

Date: 18 August 2026

Running time: 2pm – 5pm

Cost: £25 - A limited number of free bursary places are available for families facing financial hardship. If you would like to be considered for a bursary place, please email cycc@curvetheatre.co.uk. They would require evidence of being receipt of benefits or eligible for free school meals or pupil premium.

Have you ever wanted to know more about the technical side of theatre, and all that goes into collaborating with the director and design teams?

Well join Curve Theatre, Leicester for a day and find out how it's all done, from the set, props and costumes in a Made a Curve production, to exploring lighting and sound that enhances the experience for an audience.

No experience needed, just your enthusiasm for backstage roles!

Date: 10 August 2026

Running time: 10am – 5pm

Cost: £50 - A limited number of free bursary places are available for families facing financial hardship. If you would like to be considered for a bursary place, please email cycc@curvetheatre.co.uk. They would require evidence of being receipt of benefits or eligible for free school meals or pupil premium.