Elemental is our exciting artist development programme, supporting early-career artists in developing their craft, expanding their industry insight and strengthening their practice. Our applications for our 2026 cohort are now open.

Over the course of a year, Elemental artists gain hands-on experience working on a Watermill production, connect with leading industry professionals and benefit from networking and ongoing professional development opportunities

Our first cohort of artists have had first-hand experience working alongside the creative team on Watermill productions through the year, including The King’s Speech, Pinocchio, Piaf and Jesus Christ Superstar. Beyond the Watermill, the programme has exposed Elemental artists to unique opportunities and cultivated meaningful connections within the wider sector, including shadowing the lighting designer for Starlight Express, meeting Elle While Pentabus’ Artistic Director and observing technical rehearsals for My Neighbour Totoro.

Elemental is a paid programme, with support for travel and access costs to help remove barriers for participating artists.

We welcome artists from all theatre disciplines, including Lighting and Sound, Movement Directors, Set or Costume Designers and Musical Directors.

Elemental is now entering its second year and applications are now open. Please apply by 5pm Monday 27 October and see the application pack below for further information on the programme and how to apply.

A hands-on and interactive morning of workshops, behind-the-scenes venue tour, music industry careers sessions and career pathway discussions, all leading to a creative challenge for ages 14-18.

Join us on either 19th or 26th November.

This opportunity is part of the West of England Discover! Creative Careers Takeover, in collaboration with: Get Into Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Beacon, The Redgrave, Prime Theatre, The Egg Theatre, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Bristol Hippodrome.

Please note, this is for school groups only. Sign up via the Discover! Opportunity Finder.

Come and find out all about the roles behind-the-scenes in a theatre. 

An informative and fun morning for 11-14-year-olds who want to find out more about what it takes to run a theatre – who works behind the curtain, how did they end up here, and what do they actually do each day?

Meet a range of people including backstage technicians, front of house staff, marketeers, fundraisers, events managers, finance team members, actors, directors, and producers...

This opportunity is part of the West of England Discover! Creative Careers takeover, in collaboration with: Get Into Theatre, Bristol Beacon, St George’s, The Redgrave, Prime Theatre, The Egg Theatre, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Bristol Hippodrome.

Please note, this is for school groups only. Sign up via the Discover! Opportunity Finder or via Bristol Old Vic's website.

Experience a behind-the scenes tour and interactive sessions throughout the building, with expert advice on career pathways into theatre and live entertainment at one of Bristol's most iconic venues!

Book for either the 4th or 6th November.

This opportunity is part of the West of England Discover! Creative Careers takeover, in collaboration with: Get Into Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Beacon, St George’s, The Redgrave, Prime Theatre, The Egg Theatre and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Please note, this is for school groups only. Sign up and book via the Discover! Opportunity Finder.



Join us for a free ticket to the 2:00 pm matinee performance of 'Government Inspector' at the Tobacco Factory Theatre. After the show, stay for an exclusive talk and Q&A with members of the production team and cast, who will share insights into their roles and career journeys. This is a unique opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of how a production is brought to life—directly connected to the performance they’ve just experienced.

"It's not good, gentlemen, that's why I've gathered you all here. An inspector is coming... A government inspector!"

The news that a government inspector is due to arrive in a small Russian town sends its bureaucrats into a panicked frenzy. When a scheming stranger rolls into town, a simple case of mistaken identity exposes the hypocrisy and corruption at the heart of the community in Gogol’s biting satire.

Originally published in 1836, this caricature of politics and moral bankruptcy still rings true for today’s audiences – proving that some subjects will always be ripe for an inspection…

This opportunity is part of the West of England Discover! Creative Careers takeover, in collaboration with: Get Into Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Beacon, St George’s, The Redgrave, Prime Theatre, The Egg Theatre and Bristol Hippodrome.

Please note, this is for school groups only. Sign up via the Discover! Opportunity Finder.

Sign up for this free webinar on 22 October, 2-3pm, where a panel of professionals working across different areas of the industry will share honest advice, practical tips, and real-world insights into building a sustainable and rewarding career in music.

Whether you’re just starting out or still figuring out your next steps, this is your chance to hear directly from those who have successfully forged their own paths and learn how you can do the same with the help of the ISM.

Join us for tips on:

This webinar is ideal for music students and early-career musicians looking to broaden their understanding of what’s possible and how to get there.

Following the announcement of Creative Wales’ investment in our innovative digital platform, we’re excited to begin exploring its potential and create a high quality, online experience for young people led by young creative voices across Wales.

We believe music is a potent creative force that feeds self-expression, personal development, and wellbeing, and with your help the Anthem Gateway can provide an essential bridge for young people to the music industry.

This month we’re starting the process of commissioning new music creators, in both English and Welsh, and offering paid opportunities to develop our next round of resources.

Whether you’re a musician or local promoter with insights to share, a community music-minded fundraiser, budding marketeer or just have something to say about the state of music today, we’re looking for young people from all backgrounds across Wales to help us tackle subjects that are relevant to you.

Through RADA Connect we aim to support applicants currently underrepresented at RADA, in higher education and in the industry. We also aim to reduce financial barriers to applying; help applicants feel prepared for their interview or audition process; build community and connection and help create a sense of belonging.

We want you to feel creative, inspired and like you belong here.

RADA Connect supports applicants to our BA (Hons) in Acting and Foundation Degree in Technical Theatre and Stage Management with a free application, online and in-person workshops, advice and support for eligible applicants.

Creative teens in Tameside, Rochdale and Oldham are invited to sign up for a free course that could open the door to a career in the arts.

The Creative Careers programme includes a choice of music, dance, or visual arts taster sessions as well as exploring career paths and learning how to stage an event.

Delivered by Tameside Carnival arts organisation Global Grooves, it is open to young people aged 13-18, and will run on weekday evenings at The Vale in Mossley, Tameside, Richard Street Studios in Rochdale and The Old Museum in Oldham.

Over nine sessions, from November 2025 to January 2026, participants will hear from inspirational arts role models and have the chance to chat with them about their own goals and creative ambitions. They will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to work in the arts industry through practical tasks, and have the opportunity to further their skills and knowledge by working with like minded artists already in the industry.

Additional taster days for arts and crew training will run on November and January weekends.

There will also be the chance to join Global Grooves for work experience on large scale events in Tameside, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester during November and December.

Global Grooves are particularly interested in supporting young people who are either neurodivergent, have no qualifications, are not currently in work or education, or have faced barriers elsewhere. Young people with additional needs are eligible to join up to the age of 25.

The first sessions will run 6.30-8.30pm on Monday 3 November in Oldham, Tuesday 4 November in Rochdale and Wednesday 5 November in Tameside.

Travel expenses can be claimed back on request. 

Creative teens in Tameside, Rochdale and Oldham are invited to sign up for a free course that could open the door to a career in the arts.

The Creative Careers programme includes a choice of music, dance, or visual arts taster sessions as well as exploring career paths and learning how to stage an event.

Delivered by Tameside Carnival arts organisation Global Grooves, it is open to young people aged 13-18, and will run on weekday evenings at The Vale in Mossley, Tameside, Richard Street Studios in Rochdale and The Old Museum in Oldham.

Over nine sessions, from November 2025 to January 2026, participants will hear from inspirational arts role models and have the chance to chat with them about their own goals and creative ambitions. They will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to work in the arts industry through practical tasks, and have the opportunity to further their skills and knowledge by working with like minded artists already in the industry.

Additional taster days for arts and crew training will run on November and January weekends.

There will also be the chance to join Global Grooves for work experience on large scale events in Tameside, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester during November and December.

Global Grooves are particularly interested in supporting young people who are either neurodivergent, have no qualifications, are not currently in work or education, or have faced barriers elsewhere. Young people with additional needs are eligible to join up to the age of 25.

The first sessions will run 6.30-8.30pm on Monday 3 November in Oldham, Tuesday 4 November in Rochdale and Wednesday 5 November in Tameside.

Travel expenses can be claimed back on request. 

Read me aloud