About the CATALYST Traineeship
Creating equitable access to the industry is a core Donmar value and we want to ensure that the next generation of leading arts administrators is diverse. CATALYST is a professional development programme for those who have been historically underrepresented at the Donmar and within the sector. Through this 12-month programme, we create bespoke experiences for talent from the Global Majority, welcoming a range of voices and skills. With organisation-wide investment, each opportunity provides focused mentorship and will serve to expand your knowledge of the theatre sector at large.
No previous experience of working in theatre is required but a demonstrated desire to learn, and an interest in arts administration and participation is essential.
About the Role
The Participation Trainee role at the Donmar Warehouse is a hands-on opportunity to gain insight and experience within the theatre industry by supporting the Donmar’s work with schools and community groups. As part of the Participation team, the Trainee will contribute to the planning and delivery of a wide range of creative projects, including the Local Performance Programme, Take the Stage, My Future, Pathways and the Schools’ Tour. They will assist with logistics, administration, and communication, working closely with teachers, young people, freelance theatre-makers, and community partners.
Day-to-day responsibilities will include maintaining project schedules, organising meetings and events, managing departmental inboxes, and supporting the smooth running of Participation projects. A key part of the role will be organising the Local Performance Programme, acting as the main point of contact for schools and holding this project as their own to practice and develop core skills. The Participation Trainee will also contribute to planning processes, and support the creation of content for marketing and documentation purposes.
By the end of the Traineeship, the Participation Trainee will have built a strong foundation in communication, project management, collaboration, and arts administration, equipping them for a vibrant future career in creative engagement or arts education.
*This role is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in arts administration. The role does not require facilitation skills or include facilitation opportunities.
TERMS
Salary: £25,643 per annum
Terms: Fixed-term, 12-month contract ideally starting in October 2025
Working pattern:
Application Deadline: 10am, Monday 29 September
First Interviews: Monday 6 October
Second Interviews: Thursday 9 October
We’re pleased to announce that Arts and Homelessness International (AHI) in collaboration with One Roof ODAC will be starting regular scratch nights to be held at Old Diorama Arts Centre (ODAC). The first event will take place on Friday 12th September 2025.
A scratch night is an event where artists/creatives with lived experience of homelessness can show work that is still in progress. This might be a song, a poem, a fragment of a play, or a visual artwork that isn’t yet finished. It’s a space to try things out, to explore, and to begin conversations around work that’s still forming.
These scratch nights are open to artists/creatived with lived experience as well as AHI & One Roof ODAC communities with lived experience of homelessness, creating a safe and supportive environment for artists/creatives at different stages of their careers to share and discuss their work. Discussion will play a huge part in these events.
We are especially keen for creatives and artists with lived experience of homelessness to attend; whether as performers or audience members as your voices and perspectives are at the heart of this programme.
All conversations will be guided by the Critical Response Process developed by artist Liz Lerman. This is a kind and supportive structure for group discussion, enabling valuable feedback from the audience without overwhelming artists with harsh criticism or unhelpful praise. It’s about going deeper, helping artists learn more about their own work and the processes of others.
Each night will feature three or four artists. The work could take many forms—performance, visual sketches, ideas, a few lines of a poem or song lyrics. After each presentation, there’ll be a structured discussion, and then we’ll move on to the next artist.
The atmosphere will be relaxed and informal, with plenty of opportunities to socialise and enjoy refreshments.We hope this scratch nights will become a regular feature of our community calendar—an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support each other, artistically and socially.
We are looking for an emerging theatre director to join the Engagement department as Young Company Trainee Director.
A focus on creative delivery over the yearlong residency - The Trainee Director will deliver Bristol Old Vic Young Company classes and direct at least one Young Company production. The trainee director will ensure that there is a continued high artistic standard within the department.
We welcome applicants from Bristol and the surrounding areas, and
those from underrepresented backgrounds in the arts sector,
especially from the global majority.
Are you aged 18-25?
Do you live in Lambeth or Southwark?
Are you interested in becoming an actor in the Theatre Industry?
Do you want to take part in an actor development programme and hone your craft through inspiring masterclasses led by industry professionals?
If this sounds like something you are interested in, our application form to join our Actors Development Programme is now LIVE!
EVOLVE is a two-month acting programme, designed to support and elevate your emerging creative journeys. If selected, you will take part in actor training designed to develop your craft through inspiring masterclasses led by industry professionals. You will walk away with artistic confidence, industry connections and a better understanding on how to navigate the theatre industry. Through this programme you will gain the opportunity to have professional headshots taken and get to shoot a scene ready to go into a showreel.
An insight into our programme:
We’re looking for the next generation of imaginers, planners, designers, project managers and makers.
If you’ve been thinking about a career out of the ordinary, then our dramatic, creative and inspiring studios could be just the place for you.
Our Creative Pathways Programme is for those aged 16-25 based in the Midlands. You'll get the chance to step behind the scenes at one of the UK’s leading arts organisations – Birmingham Royal Ballet. Yes, you might be surprised to learn that one of the world’s great ballet companies is based right here in the heart of the city – and there is so much more to it than tutus and pointe shoes!
This FREE professional development programme is designed to give you a real taste of life in the arts. Our alumni tell us these are just some of the best bits:
You don’t need qualifications or any ballet knowledge to join — just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to imagine turning your passion into a rewarding career.
Listen to our alumni speaking about the programme here.
Applications open Tuesday 16 September!
This is a free workshop for artists aged 18+.
The Penguin masterclass will explore creative methodologies, play, ethics, wellbeing and safety in the process of making autobiographical work. Led by theatre-maker and director Amy Golding and performer Hamzeh Al Hussien. Supported by Helix Arts.
This masterclass is a practical workshop with time for discussion and reflection.
This workshop is for artists:
It will be framed through techniques Amy and Hamzeh used in the making of a theatre show but can be applied/ adapted in any context.
Everyone who signs up for this workshop needs to have ideally seen the show. If ticket price would be a barrier to you being able to attend the workshop, Helix Arts has an access fund to support you through the cost of your ticket. This is a limited fund, offered via their Artists’ Agency programme. To find out more please get in touch via info@helixarts.com.
Helix Arts’ is hosting this masterclass as part of our ambitions to support artists and provide pathways for people from their starting point.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
When you sign up and complete the participation form, there will be opportunities to share any access requirements. We will do our best to accommodate any requests or alterations for access.
Are you creative, living in Scotland and aged 8-30? Apply now for up to £500 for your creative activity or project.
Creative Scotland are working with Moniack Mhor to offer funding to support and encourage creative projects and activities by young people aged 8-30 in Scotland who may have experience of isolation or marginalisation.
Creativity takes all shapes and forms, so whether you are a writer, knitter, musician, graphic artist, street artist, dancer, photographer, film maker or potter – basically anything at all as long as it is creative – we would love to hear from you and help to support your work
Applications are open now until 18th November. They are assessed once a month by a steering group of young people who also have experience of isolation and marginalisation, so you can apply any time.
Individuals can apply for up to £500. Groups can apply for £500 per person, up to a maximum of £2000
Your stage awaits!
Registrations for National Youth Orchestra of Wales 2026 auditions are now open!
How to apply...
Apply by: 12 October 2025
Auditions: 16 November 2025 - 7 December 2025 (video deadline: 30 November 2025)
Results: W/C 15 December 2025
Repertoire: Next year’s repertoire is currently TBC, but rest assured, we’re planning a concert programme worthy of such an auspicious anniversary year.
Your stage awaits!
Registrations for National Youth Choir of Wales 2026 auditions are Now Open!
How to apply...
Apply by: 12 October 2025
Auditions: 16 November 2025 - 7 December 2025 (video deadline 30 November 2025)
Results: 15 December 2025
Repertoire: We’re still finalising the programme, but you can expect a vibrant mix of music—from brand-new pieces to choral favourites and plenty of surprises in between!
Do you love creating your own music? Whether you compose, produce beats, write songs, or experiment with sound in your own way – we want to hear from you!
If you're aged 12-18 (on 1 July 2025) and based in the UK, this is your chance to get your music heard, work with professional musicians and take your creativity to the next level.
Entries will be judged in three categories:
The competition entry form will close at 4pm on Thursday 25 September 2025.
