Young Designers is a 10-week course for young people aged 13-17, hosted by Northern Stage.

Explore how designers bring theatre to life in their weekly introductory masterclasses! Guided by industry professionals, you’ll get hands-on experience in costume design, hair and make-up design, and work with elements of technical theatre.

This course will focus on design for live performance, and you’ll learn skills applicable to theatre, film, TV, live music, and other visual art forms. Sessions are led by the experienced Northern Stage team, and you’ll work alongside guest artists and creatives working professionally in the region. 

Understand the principles of designing and sourcing costumes for performance. Develop costume ideas, create mood boards, observe demonstrations, experiment with different design techniques, build your own costumes, try your hand at special effects makeup. You’ll work towards a mini exhibition at the end of the course to showcase your skills. No previous experience needed – just bring along your enthusiasm for creating!

Deadline to apply: Sunday 16 August

The cost of the course varies depending on your circumstances. Northern Stage have created a payment scale (see below) to help you identify which fee is appropriate for you. Fees cover the cost of the 10 sessions as well as tickets to selected performances at Northern Stage as part of the programme.

Fees are required to be paid in advance of starting the course and more information about how to do this will follow if you are successfully selected to take part.

Standard fee: £150 (If you have the means to pay for the full value of the course)

Discounted fee: £90 (If you do not have the means to pay for the full value of the course)

Bursary places: FREE*

*Bursary places are limited and bursary applications from young people from a low-socioeconomic background, from the global majority or with a disability will be prioritised, in line with Northern Stage’s strategic priorities. As part of a bursary place, we can also support with the cost of travelling to and from sessions.