Theatre-Maker Placement with Company of Wolves
Two new paid opportunities for early career theatre-makers in Scotland
Following a successful pilot, Company of Wolves are offering a rare opportunity for 2 early career artists to be embedded in the operations of one of Scotland’s foremost contemporary performance companies, for up to 40 days over an 8-month period.
This development opportunity offers the security of paid work to help promising theatre-makers take the next steps in their journey as artists, producers and leaders, so they’re better placed to make a real impact in the future of Scottish theatre.
The placements will run between June 2026 and January 2027.
Successful applicants will work closely with the Company of Wolves team through a bespoke programme of activities during which you can expect to:
Our aim is that participating artists will leave this programme with a stronger understanding of the theatre sector in Scotland, a clearer picture of how they want to work and the work they want to make, and an expanded professional network and skillset to help them continue building successful and sustainable careers in Scotland.
Placement artists will be paid a daily rate, plus reasonable expenses as agreed with us, for all their time working with the company.
About Company of Wolves
Company of Wolves is a laboratory theatre company based in Glasgow. Founded in 2012 by Joint Artistic Directors Ewan Downie and Anna Porubcansky, we have developed a unique and powerful approach to training, making and performance based on experimentation, inclusion, collaboration and play.
For more information about us, please visit our website at companyofwolves.org
Content, timescale and commitment
The Theatre-Maker Placements will run for up to 40 days, from June 2026 until the end of January 2027.
The work includes both fixed and flexible elements as outlined below.
Please note that the fixed elements of this placement involve medium to high physical activity, and solo, partner and group work, and include a wide range of activities from meditative practices to running. Please get in touch if you have questions about the scope of this work and its likely demands.
FIXED DATES
Successful candidates must be able to commit to the following fixed dates:
Agamemnon R&D week (5 days in Glasgow)
8 - 12 June 2026
Placement artists will participate in the research & development phase for Company of Wolves’ next show, a new adaptation of Aeschylus’ Agamemnon. They will work collaboratively as part of a team of 5 performers, exploring practical, embodied ways to integrate text, rhythm, song, movement and dance to realise a new version of this Ancient Greek text. The R&D will be supported by Ancient Greek specialist Dr Michael Carroll from the School of Classics at the University of St Andrews.
Movement & Voice Lab (equivalent 3 full days in Glasgow)
5 weekly evenings over Sept/Oct 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed)
Company of Wolves’ ongoing weekly training group will return this autumn, based in our rigorous and playful body-centred training practices. The group will be led by joint artistic directors, Anna Porubcansky and Ewan Downie, and use movement, voice and imagination to connect, develop deep listening to ourselves and others, awaken the sources of our creativity, and shake off old patterning.
Winter Training (6 days in Glasgow / Edinburgh)
Over w/c 11th Jan and w/c 18th Jan 2027 (exact dates to be confirmed)
Winter Training is Company of Wolves' hugely popular annual public workshop, dedicated to waking up our bodies, voices and imaginations to free creativity, develop confidence and resilience, and build connections with other people. These workshops take place in January and are led by Ewan and Anna.
REMOTE AND FLEXIBLE WORK STRANDS
The following work strands will be organised flexibly taking into account your availability and the company’s planned programme for 2026/27.
Because this is a developmental opportunity, details of these strands will be shaped together with successful candidates, in accordance with their personal and professional development goals. Learning areas may include project management, production, tour-booking, fundraising, general management, financial management, recruiting and working with freelancers, governance, marketing and PR. We anticipate that this will involve:
Shadowing, mentoring, coaching and organisational support (up to 18 days)
Successful candidates will have dedicated time with Company of Wolves’ Artistic Directors, Producer and Company Manager, learning new practical skills and gaining insights into multiple facets of running a company or being a self-producing artist, and will receive mentoring and coaching sessions to support their own career development and skills development.
They will also have the opportunity to contribute to discussions regarding future development of the company’s plans, policies and long-term strategy. We anticipate that within this time we will also support each Placement artist to develop a funding application (e.g. a Creative Scotland Open Fund application) for a project of their own.
Support for Agamemnon script development (2 days)
Including reading script drafts, contributing to ongoing research as appropriate, contributing to script development conversations with Anna, Ewan and Michael.
Meeting and event attendance (3 days)
Attending Company of Wolves Board meetings, and sector events such as FST meetings.
Optional and schedule dependent: The Bacchae on tour (approx 3 days)
An opportunity to attend THE BACCHAE on tour in Scotland (end May 2026), to gain first-hand experience of the practicalities of touring in different contexts. This is not obligatory and will be subject to individuals’ availability.
Successful candidates may also undertake some practical admin/producing tasks, as appropriate, to support the work of the organisation, in order to gain more hands-on experience of Company of Wolves’ day-to-day operations.
We will work closely with the individuals selected to discuss and refine the shape of this opportunity throughout the process.
JOB DETAILS
Contract type: Freelance
Time commitment: Up to 40 days between June 2026 and Jan 2027, with exact number of days to be mutually agreed.
Fee: £130 per day worked. This is based on a weekly rate of £650 (above ITC minimum) and reflects length of time commitment.
Expenses: We can also reimburse travel costs and other expenses that are necessary to enable artists to take part; depending on individual needs and subject to discussion and mutual agreement.
Access: Access support is also available, subject to a conversation with each individual about their specific needs.
For the flexible/remote aspects of the work, Placement artists may work from their own base, or from the Company of Wolves office in central Glasgow if this location is easily accessible for them.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for early-career theatre-makers who have begun to forge their own artistic vision through making work at a professional level.
Essential criteria:
Desired skills and experience
In assessing applications, we will be looking for evidence of:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Company of Wolves believe in equality of opportunity, and are committed to building a collaborative culture where everyone can do their best work. Our aim is that our work and the people with whom we work reflects the diversity of our society. We particularly encourage people who are currently under-represented* in the Scottish theatre sector to apply for this opportunity.
Our application process is designed to enable us to make contextual decisions which acknowledge how some artists will have encountered additional barriers while working in the arts (and may therefore have been less able to attain a certain level of experience). If you think this applies to you, please let us know.
How to apply
Please complete the application form here
You will have the option to apply through written answers or in video format, as preferred.
After submitting an application, you will be sent a link to an anonymous Equalities Monitoring Form. Completing this form is voluntary but we appreciate your input in helping us to assess how well we are meeting our Equalities aims.
The Equalities Monitoring Form will be separate from your application and does not form part of the selection process. Information obtained from the form will not be available for the people preparing the shortlist. Data obtained from the forms will be used solely for monitoring purposes and no individual can ever be identified from it.
The application deadline is 5pm on Thursday 9 April. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
Your application will be read by Company of Wolves’ Artistic Directors Ewan Downie and Anna Porubcansky, and Producer Corinne Salisbury, with additional advice from our Board of Trustees.
We will let you know by Thursday 23 April whether you have been invited to attend an interview. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed the week beginning 4 and 11 May. Candidates will be informed of our final decision by Monday 18 May.
For over 20 years, Westacre Theatre's esteemed Bursary Scheme has offered around 8-10 privately funded, residential placements per year for performing arts undergraduates, graduates & early-career artists, giving them the chance to gain hands-on experience in a professional, rural theatre, working on multiple productions, receiving mentoring, and developing their skills. “The scheme is an ideal opportunity for emerging actors to bridge the gap between training and the profession. For me, its key strength is providing professional experience that leaves recipients much better equipped to step into a professional career.” (Actor Nigel Hastings - Patron)
Westacre Theatre is an independent, rural, theatre and arts centre based in the village of West Acre, Norfolk. Housed in a converted historic chapel, and with an expansive outdoor auditorium for the summer months, we are known for championing, emerging artists and innovative performance, while also serving our local community. The theatre provides a platform for professional productions, artist development, workshops and residencies, with a strong focus on accessibility, participation and nurturing creative talent. Patrons: Sir Stephen Fry, Sir Anthony Gormley & Nigel Hastings.
We audition and interview bursary candidates to join our highly respected theatre company on 2/3 full-scale productions, which take place during our outdoor summer season. These productions run either consecutively or in repertory. Successful applicants will also gain hands-on experience helping to deliver young people’s workshops, hosting musical events, taking part in front-of-house duties and all the other essential “roll your sleeves up” jobs that keep the theatre running smoothly. Whilst bursary recipients benefit hugely from the guidance of our directors, musicians, technical experts and extended team, all with extensive professional experience and industry expertise, we place huge value on the fresh perspectives and creative energy brought by new and emerging artists. It’s a fully immersive opportunity to develop skills, work as part of a professional team, and experience every aspect of theatre life.
The Westacre Summer Bursary has long been a powerful springboard for emerging actors, musicians, dancers and technicians. Many former bursary students have gone on to successful careers across theatre, musical theatre, film and the wider creative industries, often citing their time at Westacre as a defining early experience. 2026 Summer Season will be announced ASAP – watch this space but expect high energy colourful versions of well-known classic pieces, told with an effusion of music, and always a quirky twist… Bursary Awards are designed to cover your expenses and are paid weekly. Placements take place from Mid-July to the August Bank Holiday weekend. Accommodation is included where needed. Auditions are in person and will take place on Saturday 18th April.
For any questions contact sadie@westacretheatre.com Please note: because this form asks for a file upload (headshots), you will need to sign in with a Google account to submit your response. 2026 Applications are open NOW
Who could benefit from this course?
Actors, directors, writers, and any other theatre-makers who would like to better understand the technical side of theatre.
How does it work?
We will meet in the auditorium for this one day course. The day will be split in half, covering sound in the morning and lighting in the afternoon.
There will be a mixture of scientific theory and practical exercises, all designed to demystify tech and empower theatre-makers to use it to bring their visions to fruition.
You will be guided through the set up of a small sound rig and shown how the various buttons and knobs on a mixer affects the sound quality. The morning session will close with a brief introduction to QLab. In the afternoon, we will help you light some scenes, learning how to communicate your vision to a lighting programmer, whilst keeping an eye on the actors standing (sometimes patiently) on stage.
What do you gain?
By the end of the course, our course participants will be able to:
Dates, Times & Location
Saturday 28th March, 2026
10:30am - 4:00pm
in the auditorium at The Cockpit (Gateforth Street, Marylebone NW8 8EH)
Teacher Biography
James Charles is a freelance theatre technician. Originally a Chartered mechanical engineer, he developed his sound teching skills whilst playing music professionally. He developed these skills, along with lighting and video teching, whilst working at The Cockpit.
Step ‘Behind the Curtain’ and take part in a free backstage taster workshop. Explore the work of the sound, stage management, and lighting teams in theatre, and discover the technical skills that bring a show to life.
This workshop is for those aged 13–17 who are curious about how the magic of theatre really happens. You’ll get hands-on experience, trying out equipment, learning the basics of each backstage role, and meeting inspiring professionals working in the industry today.
Whether you love tech, teamwork, or just discovering something new, this workshop is the perfect first step into the creative world of backstage. No experience necessary.
These free workshops are developed in partnership with Backstage Niche.
Learn it. Try it. Make it happen.
Emma Rice Company Training Programme is offering a unique opportunity for theatre makers aged 18+. The theatre maker taster is a free, day-long workshop.
In this practical workshop members of our Malory Towers show team will introduce participants to the Emma Rice Company method. You will play games, learn songs and devise. You will experience first-hand how Emma Rice Company builds an ensemble and creates their critically acclaimed shows.
Actors, singers, musicians, dancers, directors, acrobats, clowns, and theatre-makers are all invited to apply. You don’t need loads of experience, but you do need to be a confident performer.
The Emma Rice Company is one of the UK’s leading ensemble theatre companies, and our performing ensemble is a vital, professional and playful part of the family. Our Training Programme runs workshops and courses to inspire the next generation of theatre makers.
At Emma Rice Company, we actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills, and stories to join us and influence our work. We know that people who are D/deaf disabled or neurodiverse, from the global majority and / or from a lower socio-economic background are under-represented in the theatre industry. Therefore, if someone identifies as having one or multiple of these protected characteristics, we are particularly interested in meeting them.
Please note as Emma Rice Company offers this workshop around the country, preference will be given to local artists. We consider our taster as being an ideal way to connect with regional artists that we wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to meet.
Dates & Venues
Friday 8th May - Theatre Royal Bath
Friday 15th May - Belgrade Theatre
Wednesday 20th May - Brighton Festival
Friday 29th May - Leeds Playhouse
Friday 12th June - Manchester Home
Wednesday 17th June - Liverpool Playhouse
Friday 17th July - Yvonne Arnaud
Thursday 30th July - Alexandra Palace
Theatre Royal Bath - 10th April
Belgrade Theatre - 10th April
Brighton Festival - 10th April
Leeds Playhouse - 16th May
Manchester Home - 30th April
Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse - 5th May
Yvonne Arnaud - 4th June
Alexandra Palace - 17th June
Guildhall School announce 15 Easter 2026 short courses (6 of which are brand new!) for ages 18 and up. These include 4 drama courses, 2 new writing courses, and 1 new skills for the creative industry course.
Below is a selection of courses which may be of particular interest, with full course listings and links to the relevant web pages. The deadline to book for all Easter short courses is 5pm, Thursday 2 April 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity.
NEW COURSES:
Drama
Writing
Skills for creative industries
FULL LISTINGS:
Drama
Writing
Skills for creative industries
Easter Short Courses:
Drama Courses
IN-PERSON COURSES
Introduction to Screen Acting (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am – 5pm
This two-day course will introduce participants 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 their scene partner, to give authentic and truthful performances. Taught by actor, director, screenwriter, acting coach and lecturer Ryan Laccohee (Maisie Raine, Coronation Street, A&E and Silent Witness), this course is for anyone aged 18 and over interested in acting for screen.
Audition Technique: Acting (Ages 17+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am–5pm
This two-day course taught by Guildhall alumnus Ashley Zhangaza will give participants an insight and introduction into the tools they need to succeed. The course is for anyone aged 17 and over who has an interest in acting and would be interested in applying for Drama School or equivalent programme. During the course they 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. Participants will need to choose a Shakespeare speech and a modern speech that they connect with in advance of the course.
(NEW) Acting Intensive for (Ages 11–14) (in person)
Delivered in person fromTuesday 7 – Thursday 9 April 2026, 9.30am–5.30pm
This new three-day intensive acting course from anyone aged 11-14 years old, delves into modern industry practice, building upon traditional Stanislavsky-based methods. The course draws on aspects of Utah Hagen, Susan Batson and Meisner providing an efficient toolkit of tips to lift participants’ text from the page to the stage. Taught by Guildhall alumnus Aled Patrick, participants will explore a number of different scenes and monologues through the lens of various acting tools.
(NEW) Acting Intensive (Ages 15–17) (in person)
Delivered in person Friday 10 – Sunday 12 April 2026, 9.30am–5.30pm
This new three-day intensive acting course for anyone aged 15-17 years old delves into modern industry practice, building upon traditional Stanislavsky-based methods. The course draws on aspects of Utah Hagen, Susan Batson and Meisner providing an efficient toolkit of tips to lift your text from the page to the stage. Taught by Guildhall alumnus Aled Patrick, participants will gain a strong toolkit to unpack and analyse a variety of texts in preparation for performance and auditions.
Writing Courses
IN PERSON COURSES
(NEW) Creative Writing (Ages 14-17) (in person)
Easter Course: Delivered in person from Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am – 4pm
In this new two-day course, participants will explore a range of literary texts including poetry and fiction, and will use artwork, photographs and songs to inspire their own creative writing. Participants will learn to draft and develop their own stories and explore the best ways to present, perform and publish them. Led by London writer Annie Hayter, this course is for anyone aged 14 to 17 with an interest in creative writing.
(NEW) Writing a Solo Show (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am–5pm
The new course is a dynamic two-day course designed to help participants create a one-person performance from scratch. Whether they have a story, a character, or simply the desire to perform their own work, this intensive course will guide participants from idea to page — and ultimately to stage. The course is taught by award-winning writers and performers Maddie Rice and Tom Machell. Maddie Rice is known for her work on Fleabag (2016), Every Blank Ever (2018) and Handy (2019). Whilst Tom Machell is an award‑winning writer and performer from Newcastle upon Tyne, whose credits include the BBC Radio 4 sitcom Tom and Lauren are Going OOT! (2024) and the play Toast F**K (2024). As an actor Tom has recently appeared in Vera (ITV), Hullraisers (Channel 4) and Emmerdale (ITV).
Music Production in Logic Pro Intensive (Ages 14-17) (in person)
Delivered in person from Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April 2026, 10am–5pm
This four-day course aimed at beginners aged 14 to 17 will introduce essential elements of Logic Pro, allowing you to get producing, composing and mixing. Covering sampling, synthesis, drum machines, MIDI instruments and audio mixing, the course taught David Corney will give participants the skills to realise your musical visions. Participants will be encouraged to be creative and produce their own tracks daily, with the aim of having a three-minute track by the end of the course.
Skills for creative industries
IN PERSON COURSES
(NEW) Creative Evaluation Methods: A Practical Masterclass (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person on Friday 10 April 2026, 10.30am–5pm
This new one-day in-person masterclass taught by Dr Maia Mackney explores innovative, creative, and arts-based approaches to evaluation and research. Through hands-on practice and collaborative co-design, participants will gain practical experience with creative methods and develop bespoke techniques tailored to their projects.
Discover how a theatre really works from the inside.
Chichester Festival Theatre's week‑long Work Experience programme gives you the chance to explore a wide range of departments, including Technical, Learning, Education and Participation (LEAP), Marketing, Development, Producing, Finance, Box Office and Front of House. You’ll be surprised by the huge variety of roles that make theatre happen and the many ways your talents can fit in.
They’re looking for passionate individuals who can tell them why this opportunity matters to them and what they hope to gain. By the end of the week, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of where you might belong in the arts, inspiration for future opportunities and insight into the incredible teamwork behind the work on their stages.
For more information and to apply, click the opportunity link below!
Join Masterclass for a Q&A with stars of stage and screen, Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff, on the set of their West End show, Shadowlands.
Beyond his notable TV and film roles – including Downton Abbey and Paddington– Hugh has built an extensive stage career, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Donmar Warehouse, the Old Vic and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Similarly, alongside roles in Mad Men and Sons of Anarchy, Maggie has worked in theatres across New York and the wider US, appearing in works from new writing to classics by Shakespeare and Ibsen.
They’ll dive into their collaborative process, the challenges of bringing the complex characters of Shadowlands to life, and balancing authenticity with creation.
🔥 Bring your questions and don’t miss this opportunity to hear two critically-acclaimed actors discuss storytelling, craft and the timeless power of theatre.
📅 Friday 20 March
⏱️ 3.30-5.00pm
📍 Aldwych Theatre
🎟️ Book your place and submit your questions by visiting the webpage linked below.
During this programme you will:
You will do all of this with the guidance and support of acclaimed disabled director, Hana Pascal Keegan.
Hana, is also an experienced director of accessible, inclusive spaces. Hana will be joined by a team of other artists along the way.
You must be available for the dates below to take part in this project
Sign up via the form below or register by contacting us on 020 8510 4512
Little Angel Theatre, awarded Fringe Theatre of the Year 2024 by The Stage, is seeking an Assistant Workshop Facilitator to support its Creative Learning team. Since opening in 1961, Little Angel Theatre has been dedicated to creating inspiring puppetry and storytelling experiences for young audiences. Rooted in Islington, the theatre works closely with its diverse local community to make arts engagement accessible and inclusive for all.
The Assistant Workshop Facilitator will support the development and delivery of participatory workshops, including puppetry, drama, and arts activities for children and families. Working alongside skilled facilitators, the role involves assisting with planning, preparation, participant engagement, and evaluation to ensure workshops are welcoming, creative, and well organised.
Required:
Desirable:
DBS:
