Join Central for a free, 3-day taster of Drama School life at Liverpool Everyman.
Tuesday 7th April: From Model to Mark-up:
Backstage Theatre Skills, set design, scenic construction and technical theatre
Wednesday 8th April: From Script to Stage
Acting in Action, acting training, movement, voice and scene work.
Thursday 9th April: Making Original Performance
Drama and the Arts, creating performance about real issues and communities.
There is no charge for these sessions, and although these sessions are open to all - priority will be given to participants who meet one of the eligibility criteria.
Is money stopping you from taking part in music, dance or drama?
NAYT grant music bursaries, dance bursaries and drama bursaries, up to £1,000 each, to talented young people aged 12-25 who can’t afford to access opportunities in the arts. A bursary typically pays for a year’s part time dance, music or drama classes, and it can be used to cover some other expenses and costs too, including tuition fees at drama school.
They open applications for bursaries several times a year, and the next deadline is 3 June 2026. If you apply after this, we’ll consider your application in the next round. Sign up to their newsletter and they’ll keep you posted about future deadlines.
Mischief Comedy have just announced the next round of their workshops for professionals looking for CPD:
Unleash your inner Mischief Maker and dive into the world of comedic text with Mischief!
Led by a Mischief Member, this course takes you through the Mischief method of working with comedic text. Each week, you’ll explore key comedic techniques. From understanding the classic clown archetypes (Auguste, Bizarre, Naive) to mastering status dynamics, using scenes from Peter Pan Goes Wrong to help illustrate the power of status shifts in comedy. Alongside these core concepts, you’ll explore the art of masking, audience interaction, and the importance of timing, learning how to facilitate comedic moments even when you’re not delivering the punchline.
Each week, we’ll explore a new area of study, equipping participants with a diverse set of skills to deepen their understanding of comedic text brought to life in a supportive, playful environment, where making mistakes is part of the fun. Ideal for actors and performers looking to develop their confidence and ability to interpret and perform comedic text.
This course is ideal for aspiring performers currently in, or soon to be entering, the performance industry.
Unleash your inner Mischief Maker and dive into the world of comedic text with Mischief!
Led by a Mischief Member, this course takes you through the Mischief method of working with comedic text. Each week, you’ll explore key comedic techniques. From understanding the classic clown archetypes (Auguste, Bizarre, Naive) to mastering status dynamics, using scenes from Peter Pan Goes Wrong to help illustrate the power of status shifts in comedy. Alongside these core concepts, you’ll explore the art of masking, audience interaction, and the importance of timing, learning how to facilitate comedic moments even when you’re not delivering the punchline.
Each week, we’ll explore a new area of study, equipping participants with a diverse set of skills to deepen their understanding of comedic text brought to life in a supportive, playful environment, where making mistakes is part of the fun. Ideal for actors and performers looking to develop their confidence and ability to interpret and perform comedic text.
For all the information, including available dates, head over to the opportunity link.
Masterclass is offering a paid, three-month internship for an aspiring Theatre Technician, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This is a hands-on opportunity for those interested in electrics and / or carpentry to gain backstage experience in a professional theatre.
You’ll work full-time alongside experienced in-house electrical and carpentry teams, supported by Masterclass. During this 13-week placement, you’ll develop essential skills in lighting, rigging and carpentry, with the flexibility to focus on your interests.
Not sure what job this internship could lead to? Check out a full list of backstage careers here.
Key Information:
📅 Internship: 15 June 2026 – 13 September 2026.
🚀 Apply by: 9am, Monday 20 April
🎤 Interviews: Mid-May
💰 Salary: Paid at London Living Wage
📍Location: Based at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, SW1Y
✍️ Contract Type: Fixed Term
Who can apply?
This internship is for those at the start of their career or looking for a first step into theatre. Prior theatre experience is not required, but candidates must have basic skills in carpentry, electrics or sound, and a strong interest in theatre and live events.
Perfect for anyone aged 18+ interested in acting for screen.
This two-day course will introduce you to the techniques and skills required for acting in film and television. Learn key techniques including how to prepare for a scene, be present and how to connect with your scene partner, to give authentic and truthful performances.
You can expect to: Explore the differences between acting for stage and screen; Learn how to analyse a scene quickly and accurately; How to prepare for a scene; Work on short, scripted scenes; Learn about visual storytelling; Draw on your own life experience using the mindset technique; Utilize your imagination to bring an inner life to characters; Develop your confidence in front of a camera.
Some preparation work including reading and learning short, scripted scenes, will be required as part of the course.
Dates: Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jul 2026
Cost: £285
Deadline to book: 5pm, Friday 3 July 2026
Perfect for anyone aged 17+ who has an interest in acting and would be interested in applying for Drama School or an equivalent programme. It is also open to actors who are interested in improving their general audition technique.
Whether you are interested in developing a speech for drama school or university or just generally improving your audition technique, this two-day course will give you an insight and introduction into the tools you need to succeed.
You will look at: How to choose a speech and what to look for; Practical exercises that can be used to unlock the speech and enhance understanding; Discussion on the audition environment and techniques to encourage relaxation and readiness; Tips and techniques to bring the speech to life.
You will be expected to engage in practical tasks on the speeches that you bring to the course to work on. The atmosphere will be informal and welcoming. You will need to choose a Shakespeare speech and a modern speech that you connect with in advance of the course.
Dates: Sat 1 – Sun 2 Aug 2026
Cost: £285
Deadline to book: 5pm, Friday 3 July 2026
Perfect for anyone aged 17+ who has an interest in acting and would be interested in applying for Drama School or an equivalent programme. It is also open to actors who are interested in improving their general audition technique.
Whether you are interested in developing a speech for drama school or university or just generally improving your audition technique, this two-day course will give you an insight and introduction into the tools you need to succeed.
You will look at: How to choose a speech and what to look for; Practical exercises that can be used to unlock the speech and enhance understanding; Discussion on the audition environment and techniques to encourage relaxation and readiness; Tips and techniques to bring the speech to life.
You will be expected to engage in practical tasks on the speeches that you bring to the course to work on. The atmosphere will be informal and welcoming. You will need to choose a Shakespeare speech and a modern speech that you connect with in advance of the course.
Dates: Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026
Cost: £285
Deadline to book: 5pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
Perfect for anyone aged 18+ who wants to write a solo show to perform.
The new course is a dynamic two-day course designed to help you create a one-person performance from scratch. Whether you have a story, a character, or simply the desire to perform your own work, this intensive course will guide you from idea to page — and ultimately to stage.
Over two days, you’ll gain a practical toolkit for creating and putting on your work, in a supportive group of like-minded creatives. A practical and inspiring course that equips you with the skills to write a one-person show.
Dates: Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026
Cost: £285
Deadline to book: 5pm, Monday 30 March 2026
With Emma Rice Company, The RSC and Belgrade Theatre Coventry.
Sound is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in theatre, and the sound team are key to the smooth delivery of this curious art form.
This practical technical course is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to run sound for live performance, whether you’re stepping into your first role as a sound technician or looking to build confidence in a production environment.
Across the course we’ll cover the core skills needed to operate sound in a theatre setting, from prep to performance. You’ll learn how to set up and run a modern digital mixing desk, including signal flow, patching, gain structure, EQ basics, routing, control groups and how to create a clean, reliable system that can survive the pressures of a live show. We’ll also explore QLab, teaching you how to build and organise a cue list, trigger cues safely, and manage sound playback with confidence. You’ll be guided through how to mark up a script properly for sound operation: identifying cues, writing clear notes, and developing the discipline of following the action of the show. We’ll also cover first-line troubleshooting, so you’re prepared to solve common problems quickly, from faulty cables and to radio dropouts and unexpected feedback. Radio mic handling will be included too, fitting radios, mic placement, basic backstage etiquette, and maintaining equipment during a run. By the end of the course you’ll have practical skills, real-world workflow, and the confidence to step into a theatre sound role and really start learning.
Please note that while preference will be given to applicants with a Midlands postcode, applications are welcomed from across the country. The course will be based at The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry and on this occasion, we are unable to offer any accommodation or travel subs.
ove theatre and want to learn more about what happens behind the scenes? Apply to join us for our very first Technical Summer Academy, running Mon 24 Aug - Fri 28 Aug. This will be a unique opportunity to explore the backstage world with our in‑house technical teams and visiting leading industry professionals, getting hands-on experience in stage, sound, lighting, projection, automation and rigging.
Across five hands‑on days, you’ll take part in practical workshops covering stage, sound, lighting, projection, automation and rigging, building real experience in the essential disciplines that bring productions to life.
The week culminates in a collaborative showcase in our brand‑new studio venue, The Nest, created with support from our technical team.
You’ll also get the rare chance to shadow our backstage teams on this year’s summer musical, My Fair Lady, learning how we deliver large‑scale productions.
If you’re interested in taking part in our Technical Summer Academy, please send a CV and covering letter (or video) to recruitment@cft.org.uk by 10pm on Sunday 19 April.
We are looking for 12 enthusiastic 18-30 year‑olds who are passionate about technical theatre. You don’t need qualifications or prior experience; just curiosity, commitment and the desire to explore a backstage career. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
If you have any questions about the application process or how the week will work, please email recruitment@cft.org.uk.
The course fee is £100, which will include lunch. Bursaries are available so cost should never be a barrier to applying.
Accommodation and travel expenses can be covered for those who are more than 45 miles from the theatre.
