The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings.
This year we are offering two pathways into backstage production; one is the Creative Venue Technician pathway (three vacancies) and the other is our new Flys and Automation Technician pathway. The roles are on a fixed-term contract for 2 years, full-time (42.5 hours per week) and based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
The apprenticeship will be split between the RBO and Creative Alliance College. You will study for a Level 3 Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship Standard/Scenic Automation Technician Apprenticeship Standard.
Will I be paid?
Yes! You will earn National Living Wage which will increase by 2.5% after successfully completing the first year. Apprentices are expected to use this to pay for their own travel to work and college. College fees will also be paid by the Royal Ballet and Opera.
With Mariana Aristizábal Pardo, Friday 11 April 11:00-12:00
Delivering your first creative workshop for young people, a community group or people who aren’t from a theatre background can be daunting. Mariana Aristizábal Pardo, C3’s Associate Director, will share tips and ideas to get you started, centering on understanding purpose and joy.
Pay what you decide £5 / £10
Ignite your creativity with Ideas Lab, a vibrant space for early-career artists and musicians to connect, skill-share, collaborate, and create
Ideas Lab invites you to share your creative ideas and exchange your creative skills in a supportive environment. Whether you're looking to refine your craft, dream up your next big project, or find fresh inspiration, Ideas Lab is the place to make it happen. Come as you are, bring your ideas, and leave with new skills, resources, and connections to fuel your artistic journey.
Facilitated by Creative Futures producer and performance artist, Eli Lewis.
Tuesday 27 May, 6pm - 8pm
The Courts, Bridewell St, Bristol BS1 2QD
Ticket: FREE!
Zoo Co is keen to introduce more deaf and/or disabled people to the practicalities of being a Trustee with an arts organisation
We recognise that volunteer Trusteeships aren't always accessible to deaf and disabled people, so we've set up this programme as an experiment in changing that.
We'd like to offer two people the chance to observe each of our next two Board meetings, supported by our new Board Support Worker.
£100 per Board meeting (approx 0.5 days of work across 2 weeks, per Board date)
Dates: 6th May 6-8PM and 12th Aug 6-8PM
Location: Central London - meetings are usually held at the National Theatre (Central London) in person, though people can join remotely as needed.
You can apply to observe both meetings, or just one (ie. between 2 and 4 people will be selected to take part in this work). Please indicate in your application which dates you’re able to do.
Join live artist and producer Kit Hall for this free workshop exploring how rest, care and community can support you when times get tough as a creative freelancer
This workshop invites you to think about what you need as an artist to do your best work, and shares how you can reshape your communication, collaboration and work so you can hold yourself and others with more care within your practice.
Soft Slow Power will explore:
Tuesday 20 May, 6pm - 7:30pm
The Courts, Bridewell St, Bristol BS1 2QD
Ticket: FREE!
We are offering two work experience placements that will be based in the rehearsal room/theatre space assisting the final rehearsals and production of Zoo Co's Young Company (YoCo) show. This role will be supervised by the YoCo Producer.
YoCo have been building a show over the course of the year and will be performing it on Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August. The show has been devised by the Young Company alongside Zoo Co's Artistic Director, Flo O'Mahony and written by Rebecca Saffir.
Duties will include:
It’s a great opportunity to see how rehearsal, tech and performances run, led by industry professionals.
Zoo Co believes that theatre is better when everyone is invited, and we share that ethos with the Young Company. Sessions are open to young people with various access needs, please let us know if you have any access requirements, either for the application process, or the role, in the application.
Find networking a bit fake and awkward? Want to connect with arts organisations, but not sure how? Join award-winning performance artist and producer Eli Lewis for Making Connections.
This workshop offers early-career artists and musicians new ways of connecting with arts organisations that feel less forced and more human. Making Connections offers a guide to developing your own way to confidently rep yourself and your work, as well as tips on how to grow partnerships with arts organisations and collaborators.
Plus, it’s all in a relaxed, supportive environment where you can come together with other artists to share ideas.
Tuesday 13 May, 6pm - 8pm
The Courts, Bridewell St, Bristol BS1 2QD
Ticket: FREE!
Are you interested in building a career in digital content creation?
As the Digital & Content Apprentice, you’ll act as the first point of call for the Digital Stage department. You’ll support the team with digital marketing, uploading and updating content and supporting campaigns. With support from Big Creative Education, you will also complete a Level 3 Content Creator qualification, advancing your skills and knowledge within the industry.
You’ll be working for 30 hours per week (Monday-Friday), including dedicated time to study. This will require some independent learning and study, as well as online and in person tuition. You will have a dedicated personal tutor.
We’re a supportive and hardworking team, working on a variety of projects. We have a ‘smarter working’ approach and encourage both on-site and remote working.
Sadler’s Wells benefits include:
Closing date: Friday 28 March 2025
Dance Consortium's Future Leaders programme is tailored for individuals aged 19-26, offering insights into theatre and dance management and providing connections with industry professionals through Dance Consortium’s network of 22 regional venues.
The programme creates opportunities to connect with international dance companies and choreographers as they tour the UK, giving aspiring early career artists, producers and arts managers unique industry insights and experience.
The programme is free to take part and designed to fit around work or study commitments.
Future Leaders has supported 120 individuals to date. Half of the programme places are reserved for individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in the UK theatre sector.
The 2025 programme will include venue insight visits, online skills workshops and peer mentoring to broaden the participants’ exposure to industry expertise.
Advance backstage call!
From August / September 2025 onwards.
Looking towards 2026, we are looking for people to come on board who are interested in joining our team as costumers with interest in being involved with us long-term. In the second half of 2025 we will be costuming Jekyll & Hyde, then 2026, starts with the costjme drama The Scarlet Pimpernel, based on the classic adventure novel by Baroness Orczy. Ideally we would have two or three people involved with us, so that no one person ends up swamped. Training can be provided if application early.
This is a lively, friendly and ambitious touring theatre team based in Devon, though costuming work can be solely based in Brixham.
Costume work with our productions involves:
More info on our crewing/behind the scenes positions on our website.
Drop us a line to arrange a discussion!
This would start at the end of the summer (August/September 2025)
