We are recruiting 10 new emerging artists from in and around Birmingham, to take on the delivery of our shows going forward, as lead actors and understudies. We are looking for individuals interested in freelance careers within the arts and schools in Birmingham. Must have acting/performance ability - no formal training needed! This project is funded by Arts Council England.

The Play House is committed to inclusion and equal opportunities in the workplace and we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds, of different ages, genders, social and economic backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations, and from people with and without disabilities. Please contact us should you have any access requirements or need any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to apply or attend an interview.

Our recruitment process is open to all, but we are particularly keen to hear from applicants who may have faced racism, discrimination and/or cultural barriers due to their ethnicity, disability or D/deafness, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our team and the wider theatre sector.

Apply your passion and complete your training at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – we offer drama school level training to mould you into a versatile actor and help you launch your career. 

Our BA (Hons) Acting is designed to develop you practically, personally and professionally and prepare you for this challenging industry. We have carefully designed a contemporary course that will train you for a creative career in front of a stage, screen or radio audience. You will receive specialist training in voice, movement and singing, graduating with the skill and aptitude to take on the exciting and dynamic world of the dramatic arts.

This course equips you with the skills you need to become a professional actor; continually stretching and challenging you to reach new levels of personal achievement and self-discovery. As a vocational actor training course, full commitment and attendance would be expected.

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!

Our Scenic Maker Apprenticeship offers a hands-on training opportunity for those wishing to take their first steps towards a career in making scenic elements in the performing arts industry. This role will work with each scenic department at the Rep: Workshop, Paintshop, and Props.

A Scenic Maker is responsible for creating all aspects of stage scenery. They will realise the designer’s vision by working from the construction drawings provided to build various pieces of set and props.

This role follows the Scenic Construction Technician Apprenticeship scheme and leads to a Level 3 qualification.

Belgrade Theatre Coventry

We’re here to support bold creative visions from disabled artists based in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Awards over £25,000 are a chance to get that almost-there piece in front of audiences. Perfect for artists who’ve had some funding but haven’t been able to get the work out there yet.

We want to help take it further, connect it with audiences, and make sure it’s seen in the places it deserves to be.

We’re looking to invest in work that will have a life beyond the initial commission. We expect all the work we fund to reach multiple audiences, as part of our wider mission to challenge and change the world. 

The panel will consider: 

Large awards available:

You’ll be expected to have a minimum of 10% match funding* from other sources (which can be cash or in kind) for our larger awards (over £25k)

*This match funding cannot be from your regional arts council.

At this expression of interest stage, you don’t need to supply a detailed budget or tell us about match funding. You just need to give an idea of the overall cost of your project.

We’re here to support bold creative visions from disabled artists based in England, Scotland, and Wales

Open Awards under £25,000 are ideal for testing, exploring, and playing with early ideas.

They’re designed to give you time, space, and support to take creative risks. We know powerful work doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with a spark.

These criteria will be used by our selection panel to assess your application. We’re looking to invest in work that will have a life beyond the initial commission. We expect all the work we fund to reach multiple audiences, as part of our wider mission to challenge and change the world.

The panel will consider:

Small awards available:

At this expression of interest stage, you don’t need to supply a detailed budget. You just need to give an idea of the overall cost of your project.

Match funding is not required for our small awards.

Read me aloud