Do It Together (DIT) is a peer-to-peer professional development programme that enables artists to explore ideas, aesthetics and sociopolitical realities together.
In collaboration with 19 national partners, LADA invites proposals for 10 peer-to-peer professional development projects designed by artists for artists to take place across the UK between March and September 2026.
We want to hear from artists and practitioners eager to design and lead a peer-to-peer project that benefits your own practice and others’, and explores questions, ideas, tools and methodologies in a shared, process-led space.
DIT is about learning with each other – not teaching others what we already know. Your proposal should set the frame of a collective enquiry for a group of artists to explore together. The most important thing is that you consider why it is important to do the activity with other artists, how you will do it together and what becomes possible through sharing the process.
DIT celebrates the unfixed, the unruly and the unconventional. We are looking for ideas that are rooted in our new realities, and those which create portals into the unknown. This is an opportunity to do things differently, and to support each other to challenge the status quo.
Calling all theatre makers, writers and performers. We’re looking for submissions of new or work-in-development pieces for our upcoming Scratch Night, a relaxed, supportive evening where artists can test out ideas, share work in progress, and receive valuable audience feedback.
We welcome applications from creatives at any stage of their career and are especially keen to hear from local or underrepresented voices in the arts.
Work should be no longer than 10 minutes, require only basic technical support, and be suitable for performance in the Court Room at The Old Town Hall, Trowbridge.
The event will take place on the evening of Friday 21st November 2025.
Selected pieces will receive a £150 fee, rehearsal time in the space, and the chance to perform in a supportive environment.
We are looking for emerging theatre directors based outside London to join Headlong Origins 2026, our year-long artist development programme supporting directors across the UK.
Running January–December 2026, this part-time scheme is designed to fit around your work and help you take the next step toward main-stage directing. It offers a blend of artistic support, mentoring, and practical experience with Headlong’s productions and creative processes. You’ll become part of a small cohort of directors and given the opportunity to explore and develop your own individual practices as a director with the support of your peers and the Headlong team. Across the year, you’ll also connect with our partner organisations, and guest artists, and be able to immerse yourselves in the day to day working of a national touring theatre company.
‘Creative Wellbeing’ – the title seems self-explanatory, but when does it get taught? Talked about? Not only will this workshop examine ways in which we can nurture our stress as artists, but will also look at how to identify and advocate for your boundaries - both in process and practice. What comes after you’ve said “no”? How does creative risk continue? You will be practically exploring exactly that. Other topics may include neurodiversity, burnout and supporting others. Creative Wellbeing aims to give young people aged 14-21 the language and confidence to create theatre healthily, honestly and unbound.
We’re looking to recruit 11 Youth Forum members and appoint a Youth Forum Chair…
We are reaching out to ask you to share an exciting opportunity with all creative and enthusiastic young people you work with, aged 18 to 30.
Our charity, dedicated to enriching young lives through theatre, is recruiting for a Youth Forum offering young people valuable, hands-on experience in arts governance, leadership, and accessibility.
We believe these voluntary roles would be a perfect complement to their studies and professional goals in the arts, education, or non-profit sectors. They present a chance for them to help shape the future direction of our charity. No previous theatre experience is needed - just commitment and passion!
We are looking for 11 members who have an interest in theatre and the performing arts to:
We are also seeking one exceptional individual for this vital dual role - it’s perfect for someone looking to:
Applications are now OPEN to join the 2026 cohort of SPRINGBOARD.
Springboard is our free training programme that aims to find, shape, inspire, champion and sustain the next generation of performers from underrepresented backgrounds.
This groundbreaking programme is a performance pathway into employment designed specifically to support young people aged 18-25yrs who live in West London, have zero to little formal drama training and are currently underrepresented in theatre.
Each year, 10 new trainees are enrolled in the programme, benefitting from a bursary that will support them while they take part in a wide range of development initiatives including performances, workshops, masterclasses, artist development and opportunities both on and off the stage.
Trainees receive hundreds of engagement opportunities over their attachment to the Lyric. They learn from leading industry practitioners in masterclasses led by Main House directors; Lyric Artistic Associates Nina Steiger, Tinuke Craig, Tanika Gupta, Philip McMahon and Good Teeth; and the Lyric’s Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie and Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.
Submissions are now OPEN for the second year of the Bill Cashmore Award: One Act Play Prize
The Bill Cashmore Award, presented by Young Lyric, offers a paid opportunity for two new one-act plays by writers aged 18-30, to be professionally produced at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. The two winning plays will run as a double bill and will be performed by the Lyric’s Springboard trainee actors in Autumn 2026.
The two successful writers will:
We particularly welcome submissions from those who are underrepresented in theatre and/or situated in areas culturally underserved. Please see our FAQs for more details.
Elemental is our exciting artist development programme, supporting early-career artists in developing their craft, expanding their industry insight and strengthening their practice. Our applications for our 2026 cohort are now open.
Over the course of a year, Elemental artists gain hands-on experience working on a Watermill production, connect with leading industry professionals and benefit from networking and ongoing professional development opportunities
Our first cohort of artists have had first-hand experience working alongside the creative team on Watermill productions through the year, including The King’s Speech, Pinocchio, Piaf and Jesus Christ Superstar. Beyond the Watermill, the programme has exposed Elemental artists to unique opportunities and cultivated meaningful connections within the wider sector, including shadowing the lighting designer for Starlight Express, meeting Elle While Pentabus’ Artistic Director and observing technical rehearsals for My Neighbour Totoro.
Elemental is a paid programme, with support for travel and access costs to help remove barriers for participating artists.
We welcome artists from all theatre disciplines, including Lighting and Sound, Movement Directors, Set or Costume Designers and Musical Directors.
Elemental is now entering its second year and applications are now open. Please apply by 5pm Monday 27 October and see the application pack below for further information on the programme and how to apply.
If you’re aged 18-25 with an interest in creating theatre and performing, this group meet weekly on Thursdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm.
Sessions are guided by our team of professional artists to give you the opportunity to develop as a performer. You will explore techniques and creative processes that can contribute to a future career in the arts.
This activity is free and no previous experience is needed!
Want to know more and meet the team? Come to our Open Day on Tue 28 Oct, 3.30pm-6pm.
Financing your studies may seem daunting at first, but help is at hand. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School will provide all the support you need to take control of your finances.
For fees purposes, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School classifies students as UK or International. Your residency classification determines the amount you pay in tuition fees as well as the financial support available to help towards tuition fee costs and living expenses.
