Forge Playwrights a new project that will nurture emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers in our region.
The group will be led by Aisha Khan, with co-mentoring from John Rwothomack and Frey Kwa Hawking.
The writers will meet monthly at Sheffield Theatres from September 2026 to April 2027 for workshops and writing sessions, followed by a period of writing and one-to-one support that will lead to an opportunity to have their work shared as part of the Open works Festival in Autumn 2027.
This ambitious year of activity will support six emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers to develop new skills, ideas, and relationships as they write a full-length play.
Aisha Khan is a writer for theatre, radio and screen, director and dramaturg. Aisha recently adapted A Christmas Carol for Sheffield Theatres. Her writing credits include No Man’s Land, (Theatre An Der Parkau, Berlin/Leeds Playhouse) and Moonshed (dir, Sarah Frankcom, Royal Exchange Theatre). Aisha has also written for BBC Radio 4.
Directing credits include The Abyss by Ghiath Al-Mhitawi (Royal Court/Edinburgh International Festival) and Spirits by Gemma Bedeau.
John Rwothomack is a Ugandan-born, London-trained actor, director, writer, and recipient of the Peggy Ramsay Award whose work includes commissions from Sheffield Theatres and English Touring Theatre. In 2021, John founded Roots Mbili Theatre, where he serves as artistic director.
Frey Kwa Hawking is a transsexual critic, dramaturg, and arts worker. He is Associate Dramaturg at the Bush Theatre, a Dramaturgs' Network board member, was Co-Mentor for Sheffield Theatres' New Dramaturgs and Theatremakers Groups, and works with a number of theatres, companies and competitions.
The Opera North Youth Orchestra (ONYO) forms part of the Opera North Youth Company. It serves to help dedicated young musicians transition from further or higher education into the professional world of music.
Drawing inspiration from the orchestral and opera work of Opera North, the Youth Orchestra prepares and performs two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year. Rehearsing in the Orchestra of Opera North rehearsal studios, the Youth Orchestra provides opportunities to learn the musical and non-musical intricacies of working within a high-level orchestra whilst gaining further experience with orchestral and operatic repertoire and having fun!
Players travel from all over the North and Midlands to gain experience, make new friends and great music!
Rehearsal dates for the 26-27 academic year are as follows:
Autumn term – Project 1
Sunday 11 October 2026
Saturday 24 October
Sunday 25 October
Wednesday 28 October
Thursday 29 October
Friday 30 October
Sunday 1 November – Concert: Dewsbury Town Hall
Spring term – Project 2
Sunday 24th January 2027
Sunday 7th February
Sunday 21st February
Sunday 7th March
Saturday 20th March
Sunday 21 March – Concert: Dewsbury Town Hall
Role Description
A Lifting Equipment Inspector is a competent person employed to conduct safety inspections of all lifting equipment used in entertainment rigging operations. For the purposes of this scheme, inspection is defined as the examination, assessment, and verification of lifting or suspension equipment – including accessories – used in tension for lifting or supporting display, production, performance, or event technical requirements, as to ensure compliance with relevant standards, safety requirements, and operational suitability.
Outcome
It is intended that on successful completion of the full term of the scheme, the candidate will have attained the range of skills, knowledge and experience that will enable them to undertake the role of an internal and on-site Lifting Equipment Inspector with competence and confidence having achieved a Rigging Team Certificate of Competence which is supported by qualifications gained through accredited courses and diplomas such as LEEA.
Duration of Scheme
The programme will typically last 18 months.
This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of our industry, additional hours may be required.
Location
Whilst there is an expectation that as candidates progress through the scheme they will have to travel to site, this opportunity will be based at Rigging Team’s head office in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Renumeration
Candidates will be paid at least the appropriate National Living Wage for their age. This can increase progressively as specific targets are achieved throughout the scheme.
Candidates will receive all training, certification, necessary work equipment and PPE free of charge and will be able to take their personal equipment with them at the end of the scheme. If the candidate should leave or be dismissed prior to completing the full term of the scheme then Rigging Team will look to recover all training, certification, and equipment costs directly from the candidate.
Provisional Timeline
0-6 months Candidates will be based within the warehouse in order to gain familiarity with equipment and procedures before moving onto internal inspections and learn inspection procedures.
6-12 months Once candidates show an aptitude and understanding of lifting equipment, they will spend time shadowing our inspection team in addition to supporting the warehouse team.
12-18 months Candidates will be expected to continue supporting our warehouse team and work on-site assisting our inspection team, building skills, competency and evidence towards the Rigging Team Certificate of Competence. Candidate will spend
some time within the office in order to gain an understanding of the project management, operational and support roles.
Candidates will be expected to achieve the Rigging Team Certificate of Competence alongside accredited courses and diplomas, such as LEEA, and continue to work at Rigging Team Ltd as a Lifting Equipment Inspector whilst continuing to support our warehouse team.
Important Note: This timeline is for indicative purposes only and is subject to change without notice based on the actual performance of the trainee throughout the programme, including, but not limited to, learning aptitude, assessment results and general operational performance.
Training Courses and Assessments
Training courses and assessments will be ongoing throughout the term of the scheme. The order and timing of these will be such as to give a natural progression to the training. Course availability and operational requirements may have an impact.
A non-exhaustive list of training and courses that may be covered is:
Application
To register your interest in this training scheme, please email careers@riggingteam.com
Role Description
A Live Event Rigger is a competent person employed to carry out rigging operations. For the purposes of this scheme, rigging is defined as the installation, removal, or other activity using lifting, or suspension equipment, or accessories used in tension for lifting or supporting display, production, performance, or event technical requirements.
Outcome
It is intended that on successful completion of the full term of the scheme, the candidate will have attained the range of skills, knowledge and experience that will enable them to undertake the role of a Live Event Rigger with competence and confidence and also have achieved National Rigging Certificate (NRC) Level 2.
Due to the diverse work undertaken by Rigging Team, the candidate may have the opportunity to gain additional skills in areas such as performer flying, anchor installation/testing and equipment inspection.
Duration of Scheme
The programme will typically last 24 months.
This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of our industry, additional hours may be required.
Location
Whilst there is an expectation that as candidates progress through the scheme they will have to travel to site, this opportunity will be based at Rigging Team’s head office in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Renumeration
Candidates will be paid at least the appropriate National Living Wage for their age. This will increase progressively as specific targets are achieved throughout the scheme.
Candidates will receive all training, certification, necessary work equipment and PPE free of charge and will be able to take their personal equipment with them at the end of the scheme. If the candidate should leave or be dismissed prior to completing the full term of the scheme then Rigging Team will look to recover all training, certification, and equipment costs directly from the candidate.
Provisional Timeline
0-6 months Candidate will be based within the warehouse in order to gain familiarity with equipment and procedures.
6-12 months Once candidates show an aptitude and understanding of rigging equipment, they will spend time on site shadowing our team of riggers and inspectors in addition to supporting the warehouse team.
12-24 months Candidate will be expected to support our warehouse team and work on site assisting our team of riggers or inspectors, building skills and evidence towards the NRC Level 2 assessment. Candidate will spend some time within the office in
order to gain an understanding of the project management, operational and support roles.
Candidate will be expected to achieve NRC Level 2 and continue to work on site as a rigger or inspector whilst continuing to support our warehouse team.
Important Note: This timeline is for indicative purposes only and is subject to change without notice based on the actual performance of the trainee throughout the programme, including, but not limited to, learning aptitude, assessment results and general operational performance.
Training Courses and Assessments
Training courses and assessments will be ongoing throughout the term of the scheme; the order and timing of these will be such as to give a natural progression to the training. Course availability and operational requirements may have an impact.
A non-exhaustive list of training and courses that may be covered is:
Anyone who is interested in this scheme can get in touch by sending a copy of their CV or details of experience to careers@riggingteam.com
This course has been designed to provide trainees with the appropriate skills and knowledge to work at height safely using personal fall protection equipment and fall protection systems and undertake a rescue of an operative that has fallen or become incapacitated and is suspended in their harness. The course includes selection of equipment, pre-use inspection, anchor types and methods of work at height and fall arrest, rescuing a casualty from fall arrest and work positioning lanyards using prepacked rescue equipment, specifically the Petzl JAG rescue kit.
Dates available
Mon 6 - Tues 7 July
Mon 7 - Tues 8 September
Thurs 15 - Fri 16th October
Mon 9 -Tues 10 November
Mon 7 - Tues 8 December
A comprehensive program designed to provide trainees with essential knowledge and skills related to safe lifting operations and the use of lifting equipment. This course has a bias towards hands-on practical training, focusing on the safe and efficient assembly and disassembly of rigging equipment commonly used in live event rigging operations. Trainees will learn about industry best practices, relevant legislation, and practical techniques to work as a rigger safely and effectively, ensuring they can contribute to a safer working environment.
On completion of the course, trainees will:
On completion of the course trainees will have:
Dates available
Wed 9 - Fri 11 - September 2026
Mon 5 - Weds 7 October 2026
Weds 4 - Fri 6 November 2026
Wed 2 - Fri 4 December 2026
Elevate is a free nine-month development programme for socially engaged theatre-makers and artists interested in working creatively with communities.
Designed for people with some experience of community-based creative practice, the programme brings together a cohort of ten participants for monthly workshops, practice exchanges and peer support sessions. Participants will explore participatory theatre methods, develop their own ideas, build professional networks and learn from experienced practitioners.
The programme also offers mentoring, access to creative space, social enterprise training and opportunities for future collaboration and employment.
Applicants can apply in writing, audio or video format, outlining their experience, what they hope to gain from the programme, and the communities or ideas they are interested in exploring.
Please send your application to oliver@acta-bristol.com by Monday 13th July 10am.
Please email any queries regarding the scheme or application process to oliver@acta-bristol.com
East 15 Acting School's MA Theatre Directing is designed for practicing or aspiring directors seeking to establish themselves as professional theatre directors.
The course brings together a diverse mix of emerging theatre directors from the UK and around the world, under the guidance of experienced directors and professional practitioners from the UK and overseas. With strong ties to the London theatre world, you'll have access to top-tier training as well as invaluable professional networks needed to build a successful career in directing theatre.
The MA is a one-year, full-time programme. You'll undertake four modules over three terms, followed by a three-month period of independent study, at the end of which you'll present a Director's Production Workbook (or your MA Dissertation). You'll have the option to choose four modules from a range of seven to eight which we offer in a year. While the menu of modules varies from year to year, they cover a diverse range of directorial practices such as Shakespeare, Contemporary British Drama, Comedy, Musical Theatre and Opera, Physical Theatre, and much more.
We also run some modules overseas, most recently in Poland with the legendary Song of the Goat Theatre Company, and in Bali, involving specialist practical study in an alternative cultural environment.
Head to the link to read more!
Gain practical skills and critical insight in directing, design, performing, playwriting and more. You'll explore plays and productions covering theatre’s many pasts and presents. Discover the connections between theatre practice and its histories, theories, politics and ethics. Analyse scripts and develop performance, workshop, and rehearsal approaches. Hone your craft through ambitious production and research projects.
Thrive in exceptional facilities. We have two fully-equipped theatres, rehearsal rooms, and set design spaces. You’ll join an inspiring collaborative community of students and staff in music, film and television and creative technologies.
Our academics are leading researchers in theatre practice, history and theory. Many have worked as professional writers, actors, directors and designers.
Gain industry connections and prepare for your career. Engage with contemporary performance practice through theatre trips across Yorkshire. Build connections and get career insights through masterclasses with visiting professionals. You’ll have access to careers support from our in-house employability team.
Our BA (Hons) Drama, Theatre and Directing course offers you numerous opportunities to both perform in and direct your own performance work, as well as working with pre-existing texts.
This will develop your creative and theoretical skills ready for real-world application after you graduate, as you learn to cultivate your own ideas in response to seeing other contemporary performance practices and the world around you.
You will explore the cultural and critical significance of dramatic practice, process and product throughout history, as you consider a wide range of historical and social theatre practices and contexts.
When you graduate you will have a confident understanding of the complimentary disciplines of drama, theatre and directing, alongside a range of practical experiences suited to diverse careers in a range of professional contexts.
We have a strong link to the world-renowned Chichester Festival Theatre, where you will discover and experience established theatre practice and perform throughout your studies.
Head to the link to read more!
