Young Designers is a 10-week course for young people aged 13-17, which runs twice each year.
Explore how designers bring theatre to life in our weekly introductory masterclasses! Guided by industry professionals, you’ll get hands-on experience in stage and scenic design, 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 our experienced Northern Stage team, and you’ll work alongside guest artists and creatives working professionally in the region.
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!
The course runs twice each year and covers two different topics. Please note that the two terms are treated as separate courses, and you can take part in just one, or both!
September – December 2026: Set and Scenic Design
Learn the principles of building a world for a performance. Develop set ideas, create mood boards, build model boxes, try scenic painting and make props.
January – March 2027: Costume, hair and SFX makeup design.
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 make up.
Applications are open for September: Set & Scenic Design
Applications are now open for our September–December term, where we’ll explore the world of Set & Scenic Design.
Across the 10 sessions, you’ll get to:
The group will be led by a professional Scenographer who will give you a full introduction to Set & Scenic Design. You’ll also get the chance to assist them in designing props for one of our Christmas shows, The Christmas Sorting Office! We'll also have guest artists joining us to introduce you to different areas of stagecraft and design including puppetry.
If Set & Scenic Design sounds like your thing, we’d love you to apply!
Session dates
All sessions run from 5–7pm:
There will also be two visits to see shows at Northern Stage in addition to the sessions above.
How to apply
If you’re interested in Set & Scenic Design, you can apply here through the Opportunity Info link below!
The deadline to apply is Sunday 6th September.
The Opportunity Info link features information regarding course fees. Discounted places are available, with a limited number of free bursary places. Financial support is available with the cost of travelling to Northern Stage.
Please note that applications are currently only open for the Set & Scenic Design term. Applications for the following Costume, Hair & SFX Makeup term will open around late September.
