For three days every month, Playspace allows a different artist or team access to space at Birmingham Hippodrome to explore an idea with no pressure to create a piece of work.
Playspace is aimed at Midlands theatre creatives (aged 18+) and offers –
Some examples of what artists have used Playspace for (you don’t need to necessarily fit neatly into one of these!) –
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the team at creatives@birminghamhippodrome.com.
Deadline: Sunday 23 September
Click the Opportunity Info link below to apply for September, October & November slots.
We are seeking an Early Career Creative Trainee to support creation and tour dates for our brand new show Playlist in Autumn 2026 - Spring 2027.
This is a unique opportunity to experience the complete journey of making a professional touring production, from the first ideas in the rehearsal room, to performing for audiences across the country.
The successful Trainee will have no more than 2 years professional performing experience and will be based in the middle of the country (no further North than South Yorkshire and no further South than Warwickshire).
Deadline for Applications: Monday 7th September 2026.
For more information including the application pack, and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!
CALLING EMERGING PERFORMANCE MAKERS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT & NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
Restoke, in partnership with Rhiannon Faith Company, are launching Risk Space – supporting emerging artists to find their artistic voice, with a focus on performance making, co-creation and socially engaged practices.
Making art is impossible without taking risks, so we’re creating supportive spaces to test, fail and learn. Through workshops, shadowing opportunities, free space and support to produce your own events, Risk Space will support a community of performance artists and makers in the area.
RISK SPACE WILL OFFER:
WHO IS RISK SPACE FOR?
Risk Space is for emerging artists based in Stoke-on-Trent/North Staffs who are interested in performance making. We'd love to hear from independent, collaborative, DIY artists with audacious ideas and a burning desire to create and connect. You might just need some support and some more creative pals.
You may work in dance, theatre, music, spoken word, performance art, or across multiple art forms.
We are primarily supporting artists in the first eight years of developing a professional practice, including those who may have trained, returned to practice after a break, or come to performance making later in life.
TIMELINE:
Risk Space is designed to fit around artists' existing work and commitments. Apart from one required introductory workshop in September 2026 and an evaluation session in July 2027, the programme is flexible, allowing artists to make the most of the opportunities most relevant to them.
Introductory workshop
Clare Reynolds (Restoke) & Rhiannon Faith (Rhiannon Faith Company)
Friday 25 September 2026
10.00am–4.00pm (lunch provided)
Optional opportunities
While Rhiannon Faith Company rehearse their new production MARY MARY in the Ballroom, there will be opportunities to join company class and/or shadow rehearsals (where relevant to your practice):
Other opportunities (arranged around availability):
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email us the following:
1. Tell us about yourself
Tell us about your experience so far, any relevant training, your creative practice and what you're interested in.
You are welcome to attach a CV and include examples of your work if relevant.
Please also confirm that you are based in Stoke-on-Trent or North Staffordshire.
2. Tell us why you want to be part of Risk Space
Tell us:
We welcome written applications, but if another format works better for you, we'd be happy to receive a video or audio application instead.
Send your application or questions to project producer Oly Goncalves: info@restoke.org.uk
KEY INFORMATION:
For more information and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Birmingham Hippodrome
Steve Wilson of Live & Local will lead a workshop about rural touring, a sector that has been around since the days of Shakespeare. Steve will take you through rural touring and the work of Live & Local and will explore how to get your work on both theirs and other schemes.
Topics will include subject material, marketing, pricing and the local and national rural touring picture. There will also be a practical element of the workshop with attendees exploring ideas and themes in a friendly group environment.
Date: Tuesday 1 September
Time: 6pm-9pm
Steve Wilson has been working professionally in the arts for over 25 years and as well as working in rural touring has also been an arts funder, a writer, director and producer. He also performs too! He is also a director of Crave Arts, a professional arts company based in Worcester. As well as doing theatre work, he supports Spurs (which has aged him), plays badminton (which ages his knees) and likes to tell jokes (which ages everyone else).
Deaf Theatre Makers is delighted to offer 8 paid placement opportunities for deaf creatives across the UK. Working with our partner organisations, these placements are designed to provide hands on experience within professional theatre settings and help deaf people develop skills, confidence and industry connections.
Whether you are interested in producing, technical theatre, programming, creative development or exploring a career behind the scenes, this is an opportunity to learn directly from experienced theatre professionals.
Successful applicants will receive:
Placements do not need to take place over five consecutive days. Depending on the host organisation and your learning goals, activity may be spread across a project, production or period of time.
(shared placement across both organisations)
This placement offers an introduction to producing, programming and arts management across two very different cultural organisations. You will gain insight into how work is programmed, developed and delivered, while meeting staff from a range of departments.
areas of focus include:
timing: Flexible from August 2026 onwards.
This placement can be tailored to your interests and career goals. Working with staff across the organisation, you will have the opportunity to explore the areas of theatre that interest you most.
potential areas of focus include:
timing: Flexible.
This placement will be hands on and can be shaped around your interests and offers the opportunity to gain experience across a range of departments within a producing theatre, or to focus on one or two areas of interest if that is preferred.
potential areas of focus include:
timing: Flexible.
This placement is ideal for anyone interested in producing, technical theatre and the development of new work.
The placement will be linked to a festival taking place at Sheffield Theatres, offering the opportunity to observe and support activity during a busy period of theatre making.
areas of focus include:
timing: Applicants should be available for activity taking place between 28th September and 10th October 2026.
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.
Central to the programming of the Opera North Youth Orchestra is creating opportunities for the ensemble to work together and perform with soloists, conductors and ensembles from Opera North’s performing company. The Orchestra is led by conductor Oliver Rundell, and sections are coached by members of the orchestra of Opera North. Repertoire in the 26-27 Season will include:
Project 1: Dewsbury Town Hall, 1 November 2026, 3.30pm
Paul Dukas Fanfare from ‘La Péri’
Edward Elgar Serenade for Strings
Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
Arvo Pärt Fratres
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17
Project 2: Dewsbury Town Hall, Sunday 21 March 2027, 3.30pm
Doreen Carwithens ‘Bishop Rock’ Overture
Richard Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, Op.11
Amy Beach Symphony in E minor (Gaelic Symphony), Op.32
Members benefit from mentorship from the musicians and artistic team of Opera North, in addition to connecting with a variety of professional orchestral and opera conductors. The Opera North Youth Orchestra is designed to complement participants’ existing study schedule, rehearsing during school and university holidays and on selected weekends over the academic year.
The Orchestra currently has vacancies for the following instruments*:
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
Woodwind: Bassoon
Brass: French Horn
Percussion* Depending on current membership, some instruments may not be auditioned this term. If your instrument is not listed, you are welcome to apply to register your interest for future opportunities.
If you play an orchestral instrument not listed above, please fill in the application form if you would like to register your interest for any future opportunity to audition.
Eligibility
Project 1 will be open to musicians aged 15-21 and performing at Grade 7+ standard on their instrument. Project 2 will be open to musicians aged 16-21 and performing at Grade 8 standard. Please refer to the FAQs section below for more information.
Application deadline
Friday 18 September
(Applications received after this date will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to vacancies)
Audition date
Saturday 26 September
How to apply
Complete the application form at the top of this page, making sure you’ve noted the audition date and requirements.
If you have any questions please get in with touch with Youth Orchestra team via onyo@operanorth.co.uk.
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
Are you 18–24 and ready to make something that matters?
£750 to bring your creative idea to life
Work with children & young people
Be mentored by professional artists
Join a Youth Arts Board + shape the future of arts in the Black Country
Are you this type of person?
Got a creative idea you’ve been sitting on
Want to lead your own project
Passionate about theatre, music, dance, digital, or visual arts
Ready to build your career in the arts
🎯 8 commissions available | Up to 8 weeks
Across: Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Literature, Digital, Combined Arts + Museums
What you’ll do:
1️⃣ Pitch your idea
2️⃣ Get selected + funded (£750)
3️⃣ Create your project with support + mentorship
4️⃣ Showcase your work + make real impact
🚀 This is your pathway to practice
Not just funding — real experience, real networks, real opportunities
For years, the idea of “making it” in theatre has followed a familiar script: go to university or attend drama school, earn a degree and then maybe you’ll land a job.
But that’s only one version of the story.
The truth is, theatre has never had a single entry route. Many people build careers through practical experience, training on the job, and creating their own opportunities, and crucially, this doesn’t just happen in London.
Apprenticeships are one of the most accessible and structured ways to begin a career in theatre. They combine paid work with hands-on training, allowing you to learn directly from industry professionals.
Major organisations like the National Theatre, the Royal Ballet and Opera, and the Royal Shakespeare Company offer established apprenticeship schemes in areas such as technical theatre, stage management, and costume.
Outside of London, opportunities are just as valuable. Theatr Clwyd and Leeds Playhouse, for example, run programmes that focus on developing local talent and opening doors into the industry.
Apprenticeships offer:
Paid internships in theatre do exist, but they can be harder to find and are often highly competitive. They’re usually offered through specific programmes rather than widely advertised roles.
Masterclass, the Birmingham Hippodrome and Creative Access, for instance, partner with producers and theatres to provide internships that give insight into how the industry operates behind the scenes.
While not as accessible as apprenticeships, internships can still:
Not everyone wants, or needs, to commit to full-time training. Short courses offer a flexible way to develop your skills, whether that’s acting, directing, writing, or technical theatre.
Institutions like the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama offer part-time courses, but similar opportunities can often be found at regional theatres and arts centres across the UK.
These courses allow you to:
It’s easy to think of theatre as London-centric, but the UK has a rich network of regional venues creating high-quality work and supporting emerging talent.
Organisations like the Bristol Old Vic, Royal Exchange Theatre, Northern Stage, Birmingham Hippodrome, and the National Theatre of Scotland all offer development programmes, workshops, and early-career opportunities.
Starting outside London can often mean:
One of the most powerful ways into theatre is to stop waiting for permission.
Write a play. Organise a scratch night. Collaborate with other creatives. Platforms like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe have launched countless careers built on self-created work.
Creating your own opportunities shows initiative and gives you something tangible to build on.
There’s no single way into theatre, and that’s what makes it such an exciting industry to be part of. Whether you choose an apprenticeship, apply for internships, take short courses, or start creating your own work, each path offers something different.
What matters is finding the route that works for you, your circumstances, your interests, and the way you learn best. Theatre needs a range of voices and experiences, and there’s space for more than one way in.
There isn't one fixed pathway. Find the route that suits you, and start there.
