Delve into the colourful past, and hear about the dazzling present and exciting future of Northern Ireland's oldest Theatre

Led by one of our knowledgeable Customer Experience Assistants, a Theatre tour gives you the chance to see the incredible results of the restoration of this iconic building, and explore the fascinating story of the Grand Opera House’s rich and colourful history.

Follow in the footsteps of Charlie Chaplin, Luciano Pavarotti and Darcey Bussell by walking out onto the iconic stage; see what happens behind the scenes during a show, and explore the symbolism and meaning of the gods, elephants, stars and other stunning architectural features inside Frank Matcham's auditorium.

Theatre Tours last between 45 minutes and an hour, and tour participants also have exclusive access to the Heritage Exhibition for 30 minutes before their tour start time.

Next available date: 28 June 2025

We are delighted to recruit another Scenic Carpenter Apprentice following the success of the apprenticeship scheme in this area

The role is for a fixed-term contract for 2 years, full-time (42.5 hours per week) and based at the Royal Ballet and Opera`s Production Workshop in Purfleet, Essex.

The apprenticeship will be split between the RBO and the Building Crafts College, Stratford. You will study for a Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship Standard.

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.

A networking day for emerging artists and producers. A collaboration between Brighton Fringe, Marlborough Productions, Producer Gathering and Brighton Festival

Why is networking so important for your creative career?

The Junction is a new event for emerging artists and producers to learn more about the art of networking and how to establish meaningful and inclusive partnerships. You will have a chance to meet with a range of artists and producers, from Brighton Fringe, Brighton Festival, Producer Gathering and Marlborough Productions alongside other regional arts organisations and festivals.

You will also hear from a leading panel of experts who will discuss the importance of creating new partnerships, connections and commissions and how they go about it achieving that.

The Junction is a fully accessible event and will offer lots of opportunities to chat and ask questions in a relaxed environment.

Date and time: May 10 2025, 11am

The European Reminiscence Network announces a new training course and apprenticeship scheme in reminiscence arts in dementia care - in partnership with the University of Greenwich.

This 2-day training course and 4-month apprenticeship scheme will appeal to theatre and performance practitioners working within:

An interest and/or experience in positive approaches in dementia care is recommended.

The Acting Summer Foundation Course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS) is a ten-week intensive experience of life at a leading conservatoire drama school. On this full-time course, you will be immersed in a programme which mirrors the curriculum of current BA and MFA students and will have the opportunity to work with BOVTS staff members alongside practitioners who are active within the theatre, film and TV industry.

You will be taught through a mixture of practical performance projects and masterclasses. You will have a range of classes in acting, movement, voice, dialect, singing, improvisation, stage combat and scene study techniques. Whether you are looking to pursue acting work professionally, hone your skills for your own personal development, or explore whether degree-level training could be for you, the course offers you the opportunity to learn your craft at a renowned drama school. BOVTS offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions, based in one of the UK’s most exciting student cities.

Course structure

The Acting Summer Foundation Course runs from Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September 2025. There will be classes scheduled on Monday – Friday throughout the duration of the course, typically running between 09:00—17:00. The exception to this is Monday 25 August; the School will be closed due to the summer bank holiday.

To give you an idea of the structure of the course, an overview of the timetable is available to download (PDF, 33 Kb). Please note that this year’s timetable may differ as our courses regularly undergo review, but you can see how different skills are typically taught throughout the course’s duration.

What our students say...

“What an extraordinary, life-changing experience it was! Studying at BOVTS is like being embraced into a family of caring, talented teachers and actors who are passionate about the craft and working together. The culture at BOVTS is encouraging, respectful, welcoming and empowering; the environment and buildings are beautiful and I found Bristol to be one of the most wonderful cities in which to spend the summer!” Lindy, former participant.

“My time at BOVTS was eye-opening. I found the atmosphere to be very welcoming and the tutors were always willing to answer my questions, which was invaluable as I tried to figure out my next steps. The stage combat classes were especially helpful as they opened up the whole world of stage combat for me. After finishing the Foundation Course, I went on to take a few courses in stage combat and horse riding. I’m planning to pursue more training to fulfil my goal of working in special action and live theatre.” Margot, former participant

“I knew that my career could be enhanced by some drama school training, so I looked into short courses and was thrilled to discover that BOVTS offered an Acting Summer Foundation Course. Taking ten weeks off would be much more practical than taking a year out of my career. To cut a long story short, training at BOVTS is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. To be taught by teachers  working in the industry is invaluable. I know that every tool they have given me is effective, reliable and current.” Bastian, former participant

Applications close: 10am Thursday 29 May 2025

Study Production Arts (Design Realisation For Events, Stage and Screen) at University Centre Leeds

Launch your backstage career with our Production Arts Foundation Degree specialising in Design Realisation for Events, Stage & Screen. This course will train you in all aspects of prop making, scenic construction, painting and costume.

Our amazing facilities are sponsored by EPH Creative ensuring you will have access to great tools and industry expertise. Work placements and access to their stock for productions are often available.

An exciting partnership with Leeds Heritage Theatres means you will have lessons in venues such as City Varieties Music Hall and Leeds Grand Theatre getting hands on with staging and flying systems.

You will work alongside professionals and other students from The School of Creative Arts and Leeds Conservatoire collaborating on a variety of events and productions.

Study Production Arts (Technical Theatre & Stage Management) at University Centre Leeds

Launch your backstage career with our Production Arts Foundation Degree specialising in Technical Theatre and Stage Management. This course will train you in all aspects of lighting, sound, video, and stage management.

Our amazing facilities are sponsored by AC Entertainment Technologies ensuring you will be trained on the latest equipment with brands such as ETC, Allen & Heath, Chroma-Q, and Martin Audio installed in our 200 capacity venue.

An exciting partnership with Leeds Heritage Theatres means you will be trained by industry professionals during lessons in venues such as City Varieties Music Hall and Leeds Grand Theatre getting hands on with lighting, sound and flying systems.

Have you ever thought about working in theatre? Do you know how varied the roles are in theatre, and what it takes to work in this industry?

Join our Work in Theatre course. This course will give you an insight into all the different roles in theatre (from backstage to onstage) and how they all work together to put shows onto our stage.

The following Theatre areas may be explored on the course:

The above Theatre areas will be taught through workshops, guest talks and practical activities.

A full schedule will be sent to participants approximately two weeks before the course is due to commence.

Discounted prices and bursaries are available for those who may find the price of this course to be a barrier.

Dates: Tuesday 27 May - Friday 30 May 2025

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.

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