A playwriting competition for Northern writers!
One winning script will be chosen for a five-night production by the People’s Theatre in May 2027 in their Studio Theatre, and the writer will receive a cash prize of £1,000.
The judges for the competition are looking for a new full-length play on any subject, for a cast of any age or gender. Don't worry about how old you are or much experience you have - the Award is open to everyone with a story to tell.
Past winners include Peter Straughan (BAFTA & Oscar-winner for ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ & ‘Conclave’), Carina Rodney (Audible, BBC Radio 4, Live Theatre) and Alison Carr (National Theatre, Finalist: Women’s Prize for Playwriting, BBC Three).
SUBMISSION INFORMATION:
For more information, including submission guidelines, click the opportunity info link below!
This is a brilliant entry point into a creative arts career, especially if you want to know more about the general management of a charity-run company.
The Company Intern will act as a first point of contact for Punchdrunk Enrichment visitors, suppliers and couriers; arranging company-wide meetings, events, travel, and being involved in working groups. The Intern will also be involved with HR and recruitment, data management and general management of our venue.
Supported by Creative Access, this role is open to people who are from or currently live in Brent and are from under represented groups in the arts.
What we’re looking for:
- A keen interest in the arts.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
- Good level of numeracy.
- Positive, approachable, personable, can-do attitude with the ability to be flexible and adaptable.
- Manages time and workload effectively, willing to ask for help when needed.
⏳ Seven month contract, four days a week. London Living Wage.
📅 Applications close: Monday 31st August 2026 at 11:59pm
For more information and to apply, click the opportunity info link below!
Genesis Theatre Design Programme is a free training and mentoring course for Black and Global Majority applicants, who are from socially and economically challenging backgrounds, who want to pursue a career in theatre as a:
This is a free two-year part-time course which incorporates:
Each course runs for six terms of study, with a seventh term on placement. Classes are held on two or three evenings each week, with one full day every Saturday.
Weekday sessions take place mostly in our design studio and workshops at Mulberry UTC in the Heart of Bow, East London. Saturday sessions are held at the National Theatre on the Southbank.
For more information and to apply, click the opportunity info link below!
REWRITES is a partnership programme led by Lowry, Birmingham Hippodrome, Mayflower Southampton, Norwich Theatre and Capital Theatres Edinburgh.
REWRITES champions bold new musicals that are ready to connect with audiences across the country, recognising touring as a crucial stage in a show's development. By enabling productions to test, refine and strengthen their work in front of diverse audiences nationwide, REWRITES creates a clear pathway for ambitious new musicals, combining direct financial support with in-kind expertise from some of the UK's leading theatre organisations.
Initiated by Lowry in 2017, musicals featured in REWRITES include: Jeezus! By Sergio Antonio Maggiolo, Ballad Lines by Finn Anderson and Tania Azevedo, Half Man Half Bull by Wright & Grainger, Chosen by Taiya Yoshida & Dominic Varney, Nel’s Place by Sheep Soup, No Miracles Here by The Letter Room, A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Sad) by Jon Brittain and Matthew Floyd Jones (Kathy & Stella) and Snowflake by Lewis Cornay. The award-winning West End and Broadway musical Operation Mincemeat started out at a scratch event as part of REWRITES.
REWRITES platforms normally take place twice a year in Spring and Autumn. Our next opportunity is Autumn 2027. Dates TBC.
Submissions open on 20th July and closes on 18th December. Applicants will hear by the end of January.
For more information and to apply click the opportunity link below!
Masterclass is offering two paid, three-month internships for aspiring Theatre Technicians: one at the Adelphi Theatre and one at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. These are hands-on opportunities 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 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:
📅 Theatre Royal Haymarket Internship: 12 October 2026 – 10 January 2027
📅 Adelphi Internship: 14 October 2026 – 9 January 2027
🚀 Apply by: 9am, Tuesday 1 September
🎤 Interviews: Mid-September
💰 Salary: At least National Minimum Wage
📍Location: Based at the Adelphi Theatre, WC2R or 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 or electrics, and a strong interest in theatre and live events.
Ideal candidates will:
Eligibility:
We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including those from the global majority, working-class backgrounds, or those facing barriers to progression in the theatre industry, though we regret that neither theatre has step-free access to the backstage area. Due to funding, preference will be given to candidates under 25 and residing in the following London boroughs: Barnet, Brent, Camden, City of London, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. We will, however, consider all candidates.
To check your borough, click here.
With thanks to LW Theatres and Theatre Royal Haymarket for making this opportunity possible. If you have any questions, please contact the Masterclass office by email: info@masterclass.org.uk.
Elevate is a practical, skills-building programme from acta Community Theatre for socially engaged theatre-makers, artists and anyone who facilitates groups as part of their work.
This workshop will explore:
The workshop is designed to be useful beyond the creative sector, supporting anyone who facilitates groups in their work.
The workshop takes place at acta’s theatre, which is accessed via five steps, with a lift available. An accessible toilet is also available.
acta can provide a range of access adjustments, including on-site wheelchairs and walkers, accessible parking, free tickets for carers or companions, sighted guiding and large-print materials.
For access requests, including anything not listed above, please contact rosa@acta-bristol.com.
If cost is a barrier, acta may be able to help with attendance. Contact rosa@acta-bristol.com to discuss options.
Mountview is dedicated to developing the actors, technicians and practitioners who will shape the future of the creative industries.
Our vision is to be a world leader in dramatic training, making an impact locally, nationally and internationally. We give potential a chance, nurturing bold, curious and purposeful artists, and we work to ensure our teaching remains current, ambitious and relevant. We train our students to the highest standards, developing skills, confidence and individuality through innovative practice, close industry relationships and a deep belief in the power of creativity to change lives.
Our staff team is highly skilled and collectively committed to Mountview’s mission. Together, we have built a flourishing, energetic workplace that celebrates kindness and difference.
Inclusivity and belonging sit at the heart of our organisation: we commit to learning, to accountability, and to doing better when we fall short. By investing in our people and our partnerships, we secure a vibrant future for the arts – and for the students and staff who make Mountview what it is.
PTASZYNSKI PRODUCER (1 YEAR FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
The Ptaszynski Producer is a one-year fixed-term post designed to foster the development of an early-career producer. This post responds to the lack of representation amongst producers in UK theatre from diverse backgrounds.
The Producer will work with Mountview’s Head of Public Performance to help coordinate a programme of approximately 25 undergraduate and postgraduate productions across our two venues, and will assist with producing/coordinating a range of educational activities in the building and beyond. The Producer will support the institution to widen engagement, expand the reach of our work, develop our outward-facing programme and bring insights to this role grounded in lived experience.
Mountview sits in the centre of a thriving and diverse community in Peckham. We know that different lived experiences are essential in shaping our public productions and our approach to audience and community engagement. This post is designed not only to provide an opportunity for an early-career producer but also to empower them to have a vital voice in making our productions accessible to a broader audience.
Alongside their responsibilities at Mountview, the Producer will be supported in their career development with industry placements and shadowing.
SALARY: Circa £30-31K per annum, depending on experience
CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 1 September at 9am
Mountview is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applicants from under-represented backgrounds and value the positive impact that difference has on our institution.
Aberdeen Performing Arts is seeking to commission a new play for Light the Blue 2027.
They are looking for an early-career writer aged 18 – 35 who is based in or has a meaningful connection to the North-East of Scotland to create a new piece of theatre for adult audiences.
Light the Blue is their festival for and by young people, with an annual programme featuring over 1000 young and professional artists, school pupils and early career creatives from across Scotland. Through their Emerging Artist strand, the festival supports early career individuals to develop their practice, test out ideas and create new work for wide-ranging audiences.
They are looking to commission a new play that is original, relevant and engaging for their audiences. There is no set theme, they are simply looking for the most exciting idea which will, with their support, become a high-quality professional production. The new production will open at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen in June 2027 for a run of up to 1 week.
The writer will be offered a fee of £6,457.50 (SSP/FST Standard Play rate for a new play of up to 60 minutes) plus at least 4 days of rehearsal attendance at £140 per day and 10% royalties on box office takings.
Ignition is Frantic Assembly's FREE nationwide talent development programme for young people aged 16 - 24. AND YOU ARE INVITED!
Working with 13 regional partners, Ignition sets out to find people with the potential to work in the Arts, opening doors and making them feel their presence is welcome.
No experience is necessary, and we particularly look for young people who have little or no previous involvement with theatre or the arts.
Throughout September and October, we travel across the UK to deliver Trial workshops. Visiting theatre and non-theatre spaces, these workshops are created for young people with little or no experience of theatre, who face barriers accessing the Arts, and may never have considered a pathway in the industry possible. Ignition tells them they can be part of it and that their voice is not only welcome, but needed. The programme culminates in five days of training and devising with Frantic, in London, producing original shows for a public audience.
WHAT IS A TRIAL?
A workshop to further understand and explore Frantic’s distinct approach to devising theatre.
WHAT IS THE INTENSIVE?
Selected from the trials, 24 participants will join each other for a week in London. Guided by Frantic Assembly, they will create two original performances for a public audience.
All aspects of the Intensive (travel to London, accommodation, and food) are paid for by Frantic Assembly, thereby removing financial barriers to participation.
For those that take part in the Ignition intensive, we offer a year-round access programme that continues to develop, mentor, and signpost training and career opportunities with Frantic Assembly and their partners, throughout the UK.
Sign-ups open Mon 10 Aug 2026, 9am and close Thurs 10 Sep 2026, 9pm
The Biyi Bándélé Bursary is a new initiative established by the family of Biyi Bándélé in partnership with Brixton House and Curtis Brown to honor the legacy of acclaimed Nigerian writer and filmmaker Biyi Bándélé. In 2024, we celebrated his life with a special memorial event at Brixton House with stories of his incredible life and works to coincide with his final novel, Yorùbá Boy Running.
In the first year, this annual award will support three emerging writers of African diaspora heritage, aged 18 and over, who are living in the UK. The award is designed to foster new talent, encourage bold storytelling, and amplify voices within theatre, film and literature. The bursaries will be awarded at an event at Brixton House in October, with the programme beginning in Spring 2027.
We welcome applications from African diaspora writers of 18 years or older who have had at least one previous work published and/or publicly produced.
Objectives:
What the Award offers:
Eligibility criteria:
For the purposes of this programme, “African diaspora heritage” refers to individuals who self-identify as being of African descent and whose ancestry includes communities historically dispersed from the African continent through migration or other forms of global movement.
Applicants are not required to provide genealogical documentation. Self-identification is sufficient.
This bursary prioritises applicants who identify as being of African diaspora heritage, in alignment with the programme’s mission to support historically underrepresented writers.
Timeline:
