Technical Theatre Apprentice opportunity at Chichester Festival Theatre
National Minimum Wage (higher than apprenticeship wage)
Start date October 2026
Full Time, fixed term (24 months)
Are you looking for a practical route into the creative industries? Would you like to learn directly from experienced professionals in a working environment? Do you want to develop useful skills, kick-start or change the direction of your career and gain a nationally recognised qualification? Then our Technical Theatre Apprenticeship may be for you!
We're recruiting for a Technical Theatre Apprentice to join us from October, to work in our busy Production department. This opportunity provides experience, skills, knowledge and formal training whilst working on a range of professional theatre productions across our three stages and elsewhere.
The Technical Theatre Apprenticeship post suits those who are 18+ and looking for the next step. This role is aimed at a practically-minded, energetic and committed person who is passionate about theatre and live arts.
No previous experience in theatre or live events is necessary for this role, just a passion and interest in theatre.
Technical Apprenticeships at CFT are hands-on paid working roles, learning all the skills required of a professional Technician equipping them to enter the industry after the fixed two-year term. You will receive a nationally recognised Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician Apprenticeship qualification, whilst working with some of the most eminent industry professionals in the country.
All previous CFT apprentices have gone on to work professionally across the Performing Arts industry including on tours and in the West End in a variety of roles. Work in the Live Events sector would also be suited to the skills developed in this role.
Join us for more information!
If you want to find out more about apprenticeships and working at CFT, as well as getting some advice on how to apply and meet some of the team, we are running open mornings in the Festival Theatre Foyer on:
You're welcome to bring your parents, carer or partner with you to these events, you will just need to register with us so we know who is coming!
Lighting Esesntials is an in-person training event from ETC, a leading manufacturer of professional lighting control systems, fixtures, networking solutions, and rigging technology for the entertainment industry. Designed for anyone who is passionate about working in lighting and lighting design, or who wants to learn more about the art and craft of stage lighting, this course provides an accessible introduction to the industry.
Whether you are new to the industry or just curious about what the ‘lampies’ actually do, this session is for you.
We cover a broad range of topics including stage lighting principles, fundamentals of design, colour theory, lighting fixtures and much more. There is also the opportunity to get hands-on with ETC's latest products.
Course date: 18 September 2026
Lighting Essentials is an in-person training event from ETC, a leading manufacturer of professional lighting control systems, fixtures, networking solutions, and rigging technology for the entertainment industry. Designed for anyone who is passionate about working in lighting and lighting design, or who wants to learn more about the art and craft of stage lighting, this course provides an accessible introduction to the industry
Whether you are new to the industry or just curious about what the ‘lampies’ actually do, this session is for you.
We cover a broad range of topics including stage lighting principles, fundamentals of design, colour theory, lighting fixtures and much more. There is also the opportunity to get hands-on with ETC's latest products.
Course date: 27 August 2026
Ready to build your skills and take the next step in your career?
ETC is a leading manufacturer of professional lighting control systems, fixtures, networking solutions, and rigging technology for the entertainment industry. Whether you're just starting out in stage lighting, looking to develop your Eos or Hog console programming skills, or wanting to gain a better understanding of entertainment networking and show control, our hands-on training courses are designed to help you grow with confidence.
Led by ETC's experienced Training and Outreach team, our sessions combine practical learning with real-world workflows and access to the latest technology. We also offer bespoke training programmes for venues, production companies, education providers, and larger teams.
Visit our website to explore upcoming course dates, find the right training for your experience level, and book your place. Training courses are held regularly at our London office, with additional sessions at other locations across the UK offered throughout the year.
ETC’s Eos family of lighting consoles delivers powerful and flexible control for theatre, live events, broadcast, and production environments. Eos Essentials is a free, two-day introductory training course designed to build a strong foundation in programming for the Eos platform.
This hands-on session covers core and advanced features, helping you develop practical programming skills and confidence across the full Eos family, including ETCnomad, Element, Element 2, Ion, Ion Xe, Gio @5, Gio, Eos Ti, and Apex.
Training courses are held regularly at our London office, with additional sessions offered at locations across the UK throughout the year.
Sessions are available on various dates from 27/07/2026 - 25/09/2026.
Have you ever wanted to know more about the technical side of theatre, and all that goes into collaborating with the director and design teams?
Well join Curve Theatre, Leicester for a day and find out how it's all done, from the set, props and costumes in a Made a Curve production, to exploring lighting and sound that enhances the experience for an audience.
No experience needed, just your enthusiasm for backstage roles!
Date: 10 August 2026
Running time: 10am – 5pm
Cost: £50 - A limited number of free bursary places are available for families facing financial hardship. If you would like to be considered for a bursary place, please email cycc@curvetheatre.co.uk. They would require evidence of being receipt of benefits or eligible for free school meals or pupil premium.
This 2-day training course and 4-month apprenticeship scheme are ideal for drama, arts and occupational, therapists; arts practitioners; community arts workers; oral historians; group workers; reminiscence practitioners; and professionals working in health and social care. An interest in, or experience of, positive approaches to dementia care is beneficial.
The training course runs from 17th to 18th September 2026 in Camden, London.
For more information, please see the URL in the Opportunity Info section of this listing.
Now’s your opportunity to take your first steps into the captivating world of theatre!
Interested in exploring a career in technology and digital innovation?
LW Theatre are excited to launch a NEW Work Experience Programme with their Technology Team this summer, giving young people the chance to gain valuable insight into the technology that helps keep our theatres and business running behind the scenes.
Whether you're interested in IT support, systems, digital solutions, or technology careers more broadly, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry professionals and discover where a career in tech could take you.
Please note that all placements are limited to those aged 16 and over.
Deadline for applications: 9am, Friday 17 July
Interviews: week commencing 20 July
Work Experience placement: 17 - 21 August
Successful students will be given an allowance to cover food and travel costs within the M25 for the duration of their work experience; we don’t want there to be any barriers to participation. If you are successful and need additional financial support to participate, we will review this on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about the opportunity, application, or allowances, please email outreach@lwtheatres.co.uk
Inclusion
At LW Theatres, they pride themselves on being a family of individuals and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences and skill sets – it’s one of their core values and they believe celebrating our differences is key to success.
At the heart of their Company is a culture of inclusion where everyone feels seen and heard and can be themselves at work. Regardless of your background, and even if you have not worked in theatre before, all they ask is that you have the skills and experience required and the desire to succeed.
Creative Steps funds the professional, business and organisational development of artists who have experienced barriers to careers within the arts.
Creative Steps for Individuals is for supporting career development, and NOT for creating new work or project delivery. For example, creating artwork to sell online would not be applicable but working with a mentor to develop your painting skills would be.
We want artists to identify exactly what they need to progress and professionalise their artistic career, and to remain open to exploring different ways of doing this with our support.
We recognise that everybody’s needs are different and that professional development varies from individual to individual. However, these are some of the things that your application could include:
When completing the budget, you should include the following:
We expect all applicants to pay freelancers the standard industry rates as a minimum. If people are providing their time in-kind, we would need to know why and have this confirmed in a letter of support from them.
Join us this August for a free, five-day theatre course delivered by the Donmar and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Gain hands-on experience with industry experts and take the next step towards a career in Set and Costume Design, Lighting, Sound, and Stage Management & Stage Technology.
Discover how artists apply artistic and technical skills in real productions, explore pathways into work including apprenticeships, Higher Education and early career employment opportunities.
You’ll build a portfolio of work, meet top industry professionals, and watch a performance at the Donmar.
