The Production Services Association (PSA) is thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative launching in January 2025: the PSA Training Bursary Scheme, developed in collaboration with Precision Broking Ltd and AXA Insurance.
The training bursary scheme comes in part as a response to some of the ongoing challenges the live industry faces, which were highlighted in a member survey earlier this year. Skills shortage is currently a key issue for the industry, and the top request from members was to be able to access more training opportunities.
This scheme aims to support PSA members by covering some of the costs associated with essential training programmes tailored to the production and live events industry. A total of £25,000 has been allocated to the fund for 2025, and applicants can request funding for up to 25% of the course cost, with a maximum claim amounting to £250.
"The PSA acknowledge the importance of professional development and encourages applications for courses that complement the roles and competencies of our members." Liz Madden, PSA Co-chair said: “This could include comprehensive training in key technical areas like lighting, sound, rigging, AV, special effects, stage automation, and other vital systems that support the smooth operation of live events and the production services sector. It could also include nationally recognised training for improving physical or mental health in the UK, supporting your overall well-being in a high-stress industry, or accredited safety training offered by reputable industry bodies to ensure you are fully equipped with the newest safety protocols and practices."
Tom Rees, Co-chair, added; “This scheme would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. Our goal is to help our members enhance their skills, broaden their professional network, and uplift the overall standards within our industry. This is a fantastic opportunity for members to invest in their future, cultivate their expertise, and elevate their careers in the dynamic world of production and live events!”
Applications open on 6 January 2025 through a straightforward application form on PSA's website, making it easy to access and take advantage of these training opportunities.
The basement of Portsmouth Guildhall is being transformed into an exciting, new creative space where 11-25 year olds can meet and explore their creative potential!
The BASE will give young people access to:
From crafts, to photography and singing, to mural painting, we’ve got lots of FREE projects and workshops running at Portsmouth Guildhall. As building work for the BASE finishes up, these sessions give a flavour of what The BASE will offer local young people.
Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.
The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for:
The Performing Arts and Theatre industries are broad programmes that introduce you to the traditional disciplines of acting, physical theatre and dance, but also cover elements of technical theatre and production. The programme allows you to develop skills for traditional roles but also allows you to cover skills for recorded and digital work. The broad programmes are ideal to explore the kinds of performance or technical role that leads to your industry specialism.
The Performing Arts programmes are delivered in purpose-built theatre and dance studio spaces, designed to replicate both the stage and back-stage experiences of a working theatre. Students also have access to dedicated IT spaces for coursework. Our tutors all have relevant experience of industry bringing a wide range of experience and expertise to the programmes.
As part of one of our working theatre companies you will take part in regular performances throughout the year, and you will get the opportunity for a lead role as part of your Final Major Project. On some projects you may be expected to adopt a formal industry role. You are encouraged to consider what kind of industry role you might adopt after college or University or consider your own performance-related business venture.
One or Two Year Theatre, Film & TV Technician Course (Incorporating HNC in Technical Theatre / HND Technical Theatre and Production Arts)
There are very few places in Scotland when you can study technical theatre and film and television production arts, but we can go much further than that.
Our course is focused on a FULL TIME - 5 days a Week course, to develop real practical skills, knowledge and experience in Theatre, Film and Television.
With our expertise and your commitment, determination and hard graft, that's the goal - to get you WORKING in one of the most exciting and creative industries in the world.
A professional development programme for early career dance and music artists. A programme of networking, intensive weekends, mentoring and access to studio space.
Thrive 2024, offered by Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, is a professional development initiative designed for independent dance and music professionals. Tailored to the needs of early-career artists, this programme aims to cultivate a fresh network of peers, equip participants with essential skills for sustaining their artistic careers, and foster an entrepreneurial mindset through a series of workshops, discussions, mentorship, and training sessions.
Over the course of four intensive weekends at the Trinity Laban campuses in South East London, attendees will engage in a variety of sessions covering topics such as self-sustainability in the arts (including managing a diverse career portfolio, enhancing social media and marketing skills, navigating arts funding, and mastering financial management including tax and contracts), as well as specialised workshops focusing on technique and skill enhancement within their respective art forms.
Networking opportunities, with guest speakers and facilitators providing platforms for creative exchange, skill sharing, and personal and professional growth. Additionally, participants will benefit from mentoring and Action Learning Sets, receiving three hours of personalised guidance from seasoned professionals either online or in person throughout the programme.
Access to studio space for research and rehearsals during the summer months will be provided, with potential avenues to showcase created works to the rest of the cohort.
If you are in year 11 or 12 and are looking to take the next steps towards your career behind the scenes of stage and screen, then this course is for you. This vocational course combines industry practice and creative skills. You will study in our in-house Theatre and TV Studios, using our external hire and employer links to prepare for successful career progression.
Lighting and Sound operation are just few of the elements required to put together a production. This course looks at each of these and more, helping you develop skills that are transferable from an arena sized concert or a theatrical production all the way to small scale touring venue.
This course looks into the alternative side of the industry; business and people management alongside the more obvious aspects of the course such as stage management, theatre design and operations. We will teach you a wide range of skills required to successfully and skilfully put on stage/screen productions. From learning how to maintain and operate technical lighting and sound equipment, to running a live audience event and managing the backstage area of a production.
There will be no shortage of hands-on experience on this course. You will work as a crew member in Kingston College's in-house theatre, gaining an understanding of design, operative and management roles and responsibilities.
Are you a dedicated and hard-working performing arts undergraduate seeking experience at a dynamic theatre?
Westacre Theatre's unique 2026 Summer Bursary Award in the Performing Arts is now open for anyone in the UK.
Westacre Theatre is seeking applications from:
Residential and bursary funded places available - apply now!
The bursary grant is from £125 per week, with free accommodation for those who need it. You and your fellow students will be able to enjoy the ambiance of the village community and amazing scenery. Having your own transport helps in the rural setting, but it isn't compulsory. Bikes, cars and pedalos welcome!
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so they encourage early submission. They also reserve the right to close applications before the deadline of 11 April 2026, if all places are filled.
The Technical Theatre course will give you the opportunity to gain the qualifications, skills and experience to progress in the Performing Arts Industry or in any industry you wish to go on to study after the two years.
The Technical Theatre qualification offers a diverse range of subjects giving you an insight into the industry enabling you to develop analytical, creative production and technical skills. Some of the areas covered within the course include lighting, sound, costume, set construction and Stage Management.
This course provides a professional training in a theatre, with state-of-the-art facilities. The Miskin is run by experienced industry professionals.
All assignments are modelled on professional practice, learners will also have the opportunity to participate in work experience.
What qualification will I gain?
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Technical Theatre)
The aim of our scholarship fund is to amplify diversity, equality and inclusion in the performance and production industries by helping young creatives from low socio-economic backgrounds access the training and the people they need to help them achieve their dreams. We believe people should be able to train regardless of their background and economic circumstance. Successful applicants will benefit from ALL of our membership perks.
