FUSE International is a festival that offers an eclectic programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts, spoken word, circus and more...
The next FUSE International will take place from 26 June – 5 July 2026. Thank you to everyone who took part in FUSE 2025!
FUSE International is an international celebration of live performance and creativity. Our programme is packed with inspiring, funny and thought-provoking shows that bring us together through live performance. With theatre, dance, comedy, cabaret, visual arts and more – there is something for everyone, and it’s all created by young and emerging artists from around the world.
The festival replaces the International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF) which has taken place each summer since 2009. Over 80 events across film, music, theatre, visual arts and more take place over the ten days of the festival which is curated and presented by charity Creative Youth.
The Rep's acclaimed artist development programme, Foundry, is back - with a bold new focus!
You asked, we listened – and have reimagined Foundry in a way that provides deeper support for writers in the region, putting the craft of playwrighting at the heart of a new generation of writers ready to make their mark.
This year, we are placing writers centre stage. Over 12 months, Foundry will champion, nurture and support three emerging playwrights from the West Midlands – artists with distinctive voices that are underrepresented in the industry, whose stories need the space and time to grow.
Whether it’s shaping your first full-length play or refining your process, Foundry is here to help you sharpen your craft and write with confidence.
In addition, Foundry will provide a unique deep dive into what it really takes to bring your work from idea to page and prepare for the stage. The three selected writers will gain inside access to the Rep – the largest producing theatre in the West Midlands – and learn about the producing process, as well as how they can shape their stories for regional audiences and beyond.
You will work closely with the Rep’s artistic team, receiving one-to-one dramaturgical support, practical writing workshops, and dedicated time to explore, develop, and write. At the end of the Foundry process, there will be a rehearsed reading of your work, as well as guidance on writing a funding application if you wish to take your work further after the 12 months.
Foundry is designed not only to support you with writing a script but also to help equip you, the writer, with the tools and knowledge to navigate the theatre sector. You will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Rep-produced productions, gaining insight into how work is developed, as well as access to workshops across various departments, including marketing, producing, creative learning, artistic, and more. Industry masterclasses will provide you with practical advice on navigating the sector, pitching your work with confidence and clarity, and how to build and shape a career that is sustainable.
As a Foundry Artist, you will receive:
Are you passionate about creating characters, worlds and scenes? Do you have a big idea for a theatre script but don’t know how to go about it? Would you like guidance on script writing and storytelling from leading industry professionals?
Script School is a 3-month theatre writing programme for young people aged 19-30* in London who are unemployed or underemployed, and not in education, and do not have a GCSE, A Level or foundation/degree in Drama and performing arts.
Script School is a Level 2, 3-month theatre writing course, run by National Youth Theatre in partnership with UCG (United Colleges Group). Participants work to gain an OCN London Region Level 2 Extended Certificate in Theatre Writing and Storytelling.
Places are available to both NYT members and non-members.
If you have experienced physical, systemic, or attitudinal barriers to accessing the arts, you can extend your opportunity to take part in NYT opportunities including Script School
Examples of people who may have faced barriers to accessing the arts include disabled people, care leavers, young carers, asylum seekers/refugees, people with experience of homelessness, people with experience of the criminal justice system.
NYT has a broad understanding of disability which includes those who are: neurodiverse, chronically ill, have a learning disability, a mental health condition or who are at higher risk from COVID. You might not have thought of yourself as disabled before, but if you experience barriers because of how your body or mind works, you can apply for a membership extension.
The Course will run from the week commencing 23rd February 2026 until the week ending 29th May 2026.
Lessons will be every Monday and Tuesday in person at National Youth Theatre. The hours for these lessons will be 10:30 AM-4:30 PM. There will also be a shorter online Zoom session that will be every Thursday from 5:30 PM-7PM.
Applications for SYC 2026 are now open!
Storyhouse Young Company (SYC) is a FREE acting training programme for 18–25-year-olds who are interested in performing.
SYC is a 2-phased programme offering 16 weekly training sessions of practical workshop and masterclasses with professional artists. Followed by an intensive 4 week rehearsal and production period with a leading professional director.
SYC is designed to give you the opportunity to develop your theatre and performance skills. You will be supported by a team of professional artists with a wealth of experience in the industry to make a show to be presented in our theatre spaces.
When do sessions happen?
The programme will start in January 2026 with weekly training sessions every Tuesday evening. The 4-Week Rehearsal phase will begin in May with rehearsals happening every night (Monday-Friday).
Do I need to have experience?
You do not need to have experience to apply. SYC is a training programme and an opportunity to gain performance skills and experience.
How many people do you recruit to SYC?
We recruit between 13-16 young people per year to join SYC.
Application Process
Auditions will be on Monday 15 & Tuesday 16 December 2025.
Are you curious about how theatre really works behind the scenes? Interested in lighting, sound, video and automation? Are you aged between 14 and 18? Then our free technical theatre programme could be for you!
Nationwide Young Technicians offers an exciting opportunity to:
You do not need theatre or technical experience to join our Nationwide Young Technicians programme, just be curious about what goes on behind the scenes.
In weekly online Zoom workshops you will be introduced to the basics of technical theatre through demonstrations and practical activities.
This project is free to take part in.and runs on Tuesday evenings, 5pm - 8pm from Tuesday 13 January 2026 to Tuesday 24 March 2026. In order to apply you must be able to attend all of the sessions.
Who is this course for?
We are committed to diversity and access by prioritising engaging young people that we recognise are currently underrepresented in technical theatre:
There are up to 50 places available on the course, priority will be given to those who show a passion for theatre and interest in backstage, especially those that identify with any of the underrepresented groups in the industry.
Are you aged 21-25? Do you live, work or study in Lambeth or Southwark? Are you interested in leadership within the Theatre industry?
If this sounds like something you are interested in, the application form to join our Artistic Leadership Lab is now LIVE!
This five-week programme is designed for young people aged 21-25 who are passionate about theatre and keen to develop as future leaders. Focusing on leadership in the arts, participants will explore the core skills required to lead effectively, discover their own strengths and leadership style, and learn how to communicate and deliver a creative vision. Participants will gain practical insight into the steps involved in turning artistic ideas into reality whilst receiving 1-1 mentoring and the opportunity to pitch an idea to industry professionals.
On our programme you will:
Please see below the key dates to take part in this programme:
Wednesday 14th January 2026 – 18:00-20:30
Wednesday 21st January 2026 – 18:00-20:30
Wednesday 28th January 2026 – 11:00-16:00
Wednesday 4th February 2026 – 18:00-20:30
Wednesday 11th February 2026 – 11:00-16:00A travel bursary is available for this programme.
Sustaining a freelance career in the creative industries means more than just talent, it’s about knowing how to navigate an ever-changing sector, where to find opportunities, and how to turn ideas into income. That’s where our fully funded Skills Bootcamp comes in.
Over several weeks, you’ll gain the insight, confidence, and practical tools to strengthen your business foundations and build a more resilient freelance practice. Designed specifically for creative freelancers, this programme helps you develop the skills, mindset, and strategies to thrive, not just survive.
Key Information:
Dates: Monday 12th Jan, Wednesdays 21st - 11th Feb, then half term break followed by Wednesday 25th Feb - 18th March
Duration: 1 day a week for 9 weeks, 10am to 5pm (with breaks)
Venue: Central Bristol, TBC
Full Fee: Free
Level: Level 4
Creating equitable access to the industry is a core Donmar value. CATALYST is a professional development programme for those who have been historically underrepresented at the Donmar and within the sector. We are interested in supporting artists who identify as being a part of the global majority, trans, non-binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio-economic background. The programme provides key professional development for these artists to catapult their careers to the next level, preparing them to thrive and lead in the theatre sector.
About the role:
As a part of the Donmar’s CATALYST professional development training programme, the role is an opportunity for outstanding, early-career artists to receive bespoke training, both practical and observational, by assisting the Designer to realise the lighting design for a Donmar production. The goal is to gain insight into a high-level production process while developing and strengthening your skills and artistic voice.
Responsibilities:
Fixed Term Freelance Contract, approximately 23 days between 15 December 2025 - 26 February 2026 at £135 per day
Key Dates:
Working hours: Flexible–dates and hours to be mutually agreed with the Lighting Designer and Head of Inclusion and Skills
Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for candidates based outside of London
The brand-new series of In Dialogue - the podcast for emerging artists, is now here. Whether you’re an aspiring theatre-maker, performer, writer, director or producer, then this one’s for you.
Across four episodes, these five artists dive into topics like nailing your audition, building creative partnerships, touring as a performer and producing autobiographical work.
If you're looking to elevate your creativity and your career, make sure to tune in – this is one series you won’t want to miss!
First episode is now available to stream, search Scottish Youth Theatre wherever you get your podcasts or use the link in the bio to listen now.
Seed funded performance opportunity for artists of any discipline, at no cost to the artist with 100% of Box Office split in your favour!
Do you have an idea or work-in-progress that would benefit from £200 seed funding, production support and 2 free performances with 100% of the box office split going to you? Now's your chance to take part in our early-career development programme to receive the live feedback you need to take your project to the next level...
We are now calling out for artists to take part in our Summer season of SHIFT+SPACE, running from 13th February until the 18th April 2026. SHIFT+SPACE is a free performance opportunity in our central London venue, with 100% of Box Office retained by artists, plus seed funding, in-kind rehearsal space and marketing support, all of which is designed to encourage artists to get live audience feedback at an early stage of creating new work.
We are particularly keen to hear from companies that are led by Black, Asian, and/or Global Majority artists, Disabled or Deaf artists, Working Class artists, and/or trans artists.
Previous SHIFT + SPACE artists include theatrical new writing readings, drag/character comedy, shadow puppetry, dance and performance art, sound installations and more! What makes our programming different from other work-in-progress festivals is our unique feedback model - where you receive feedback on your first showing and you are encouraged to use your second showing to try out a shifted version the following day.
