Perfect for anyone aged 17+ who has an interest in acting and would be interested in applying for Drama School or an equivalent programme. It is also open to actors who are interested in improving their general audition technique.
Whether you are interested in developing a speech for drama school or university or just generally improving your audition technique, this two-day course will give you an insight and introduction into the tools you need to succeed.
You will look at: How to choose a speech and what to look for; Practical exercises that can be used to unlock the speech and enhance understanding; Discussion on the audition environment and techniques to encourage relaxation and readiness; Tips and techniques to bring the speech to life.
You will be expected to engage in practical tasks on the speeches that you bring to the course to work on. The atmosphere will be informal and welcoming. You will need to choose a Shakespeare speech and a modern speech that you connect with in advance of the course.
Dates: Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026
Cost: £285
Deadline to book: 5pm, Thursday 9 April 2026
Perfect for anyone aged 15–17 (years 10–12) with a passion and curiosity for acting, whether you’re new to acting or building on previous experience.
This new three-day intensive acting course delves into modern industry practice, building upon traditional Stanislavsky-based methods. The course draws on aspects of Utah Hagen, Susan Batson and Meisner providing an efficient toolkit of tips to lift your text from the page to the stage.
Participants will explore a number of different scenes and monologues through the lens of various acting tools.
The course is practical and fast-paced. You will gain a strong toolkit to unpack and analyse a variety of texts in preparation for performance and auditions. By the end of the course, you will have practical skills to apply the theory that you have learned in the course to your acting.
Dates: Fri 10 – Sun 12 Apr 2026
Cost: £450
Deadline to book: 5pm, Monday 30 March 2026
Perfect for anyone aged 11–14 (years 7–9) with a passion and curiosity for acting, whether you’re new to acting or building on previous experience.
This new three-day intensive acting course delves into modern industry practice, building upon traditional Stanislavsky-based methods. The course draws on aspects of Utah Hagen, Susan Batson and Meisner providing an efficient toolkit of tips to lift your text from the page to the stage.
Participants will explore a number of different scenes and monologues through the lens of various acting tools.
The course is practical and fast-paced. You will gain a strong toolkit to unpack and analyse a variety of texts in preparation for performance and auditions. By the end of the course, you will have practical skills to apply the theory that you have learned in the course to your acting.
Dates: Tue 7 – Thu 9 Apr 2026
Cost: £450
Deadline to book: 5pm, Monday 30 March 2026
Work with a professional director to create a full play in just 5 days.
For young people aged 12 to 15, Wac Arts one-week summer program offers an exciting opportunity to work with a professional director and create a full play in just 5 days!
Over the course of the week, participants will collaborate as a team to explore the world of the play, develop their characters, and rehearse their lines. The week will culminate in a live performance for friends and family, showcasing the incredible work they’ve put in. This is a fantastic option for anyone interested in joining the Wac Arts Actors Company or Junior Actors Company, or for anyone looking to have fun, make new friends, and enjoy a creative, welcoming environment full of artistic energy.
Dates: Monday 27 July – Friday 31 July
Times: 9:30am – 15:30
Bursaries:
They offer limited Bursary places to support those with specific circumstances.
Book before 17 April 2026 to receive £20-off
The only programme of its kind in the UK, our courses are designed for those with an interest in developing their performance skills and engagement with live theatre.
Initially a week-long acting summer school based in London, the Academy has grown over its 16 years to encompass a range of disciplines and locations. New Earth Academy plays a key role in addressing the under representation of ESEA artists on UK stages and screens as well as behind the scenes by providing a safe and supportive environment to gain access to professional training, develop new skills, join creative networks and engage with industry professionals.
In 2026 our courses will take place in London, Manchester, Liverpool and York and include training in Performing, Theatre Making and Producing and Playwriting. Please click on the links below for more information about each individual course.
If you have any questions about the programme, please read the FAQ below. If you require the documents to be in a different format or need any adjustments made in order to apply, please get in touch with us by emailing academy@newearththeatre.org.uk
New Earth Academy is delivered in partnership with The Lowry, our Strategic Partner, and Factory International/Aviva Studios, alongside HOME, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and York Theatre Royal. The programme is further supported by Horizons Collective, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Acting, Birmingham Hippodrome and Arts Council England.
There are a range of opportunities taking place across the UK listed below. Please head to the opportunity link to sign-up to the respective events.
New Earth Theatre Makers Academy - Greater Manchester - Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July
New Earth Theatre Makers Academy - York - Monday 6th July – Friday 10 July
Performing Shakespeare Academy - Monday 27th – Friday 31st July
Performers Academy - London - Monday 14th to Friday 18th July
Performers Academy Plus - London - Monday 20th July – Friday 24th July and Monday 27th – Friday 31st July
Theatre Makers Academy Plus - Greater Manchester and the North West
September 2025 to February 2026
Key Dates: (Applicants must be available to attend all below dates)
Weekend Residential 20th & 21st September 2025 at HOME
Masterclass 1 - Mon 20th October
Masterclass 2 - Mon 10th November
Masterclass 3 - Mon 8th December
Masterclass 4 - Weds 14th Jan
New Earth Academy Programmes in Salford & Greater Manchester are supported by Lowry, HOME and Factory International.
For over 20 years, Westacre Theatre's esteemed Bursary Scheme has offered around 8-10 privately funded, residential placements per year for performing arts undergraduates, graduates & early-career artists, giving them the chance to gain hands-on experience in a professional, rural theatre, working on multiple productions, receiving mentoring, and developing their skills. “The scheme is an ideal opportunity for emerging actors to bridge the gap between training and the profession. For me, its key strength is providing professional experience that leaves recipients much better equipped to step into a professional career.” (Actor Nigel Hastings - Patron)
Westacre Theatre is an independent, rural, theatre and arts centre based in the village of West Acre, Norfolk. Housed in a converted historic chapel, and with an expansive outdoor auditorium for the summer months, we are known for championing, emerging artists and innovative performance, while also serving our local community. The theatre provides a platform for professional productions, artist development, workshops and residencies, with a strong focus on accessibility, participation and nurturing creative talent. Patrons: Sir Stephen Fry, Sir Anthony Gormley & Nigel Hastings.
We audition and interview bursary candidates to join our highly respected theatre company on 2/3 full-scale productions, which take place during our outdoor summer season. These productions run either consecutively or in repertory. Successful applicants will also gain hands-on experience helping to deliver young people’s workshops, hosting musical events, taking part in front-of-house duties and all the other essential “roll your sleeves up” jobs that keep the theatre running smoothly. Whilst bursary recipients benefit hugely from the guidance of our directors, musicians, technical experts and extended team, all with extensive professional experience and industry expertise, we place huge value on the fresh perspectives and creative energy brought by new and emerging artists. It’s a fully immersive opportunity to develop skills, work as part of a professional team, and experience every aspect of theatre life.
The Westacre Summer Bursary has long been a powerful springboard for emerging actors, musicians, dancers and technicians. Many former bursary students have gone on to successful careers across theatre, musical theatre, film and the wider creative industries, often citing their time at Westacre as a defining early experience. 2026 Summer Season will be announced ASAP – watch this space but expect high energy colourful versions of well-known classic pieces, told with an effusion of music, and always a quirky twist… Bursary Awards are designed to cover your expenses and are paid weekly. Placements take place from Mid-July to the August Bank Holiday weekend. Accommodation is included where needed. Auditions are in person and will take place on Saturday 18th April.
For any questions contact sadie@westacretheatre.com Please note: because this form asks for a file upload (headshots), you will need to sign in with a Google account to submit your response. 2026 Applications are open NOW
Emma Rice Company Training Programme is offering a unique opportunity for theatre makers aged 18+. The theatre maker taster is a free, day-long workshop.
In this practical workshop members of our Malory Towers show team will introduce participants to the Emma Rice Company method. You will play games, learn songs and devise. You will experience first-hand how Emma Rice Company builds an ensemble and creates their critically acclaimed shows.
Actors, singers, musicians, dancers, directors, acrobats, clowns, and theatre-makers are all invited to apply. You don’t need loads of experience, but you do need to be a confident performer.
The Emma Rice Company is one of the UK’s leading ensemble theatre companies, and our performing ensemble is a vital, professional and playful part of the family. Our Training Programme runs workshops and courses to inspire the next generation of theatre makers.
At Emma Rice Company, we actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills, and stories to join us and influence our work. We know that people who are D/deaf disabled or neurodiverse, from the global majority and / or from a lower socio-economic background are under-represented in the theatre industry. Therefore, if someone identifies as having one or multiple of these protected characteristics, we are particularly interested in meeting them.
Please note as Emma Rice Company offers this workshop around the country, preference will be given to local artists. We consider our taster as being an ideal way to connect with regional artists that we wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to meet.
Dates & Venues
Friday 8th May - Theatre Royal Bath
Friday 15th May - Belgrade Theatre
Wednesday 20th May - Brighton Festival
Friday 29th May - Leeds Playhouse
Friday 12th June - Manchester Home
Wednesday 17th June - Liverpool Playhouse
Friday 17th July - Yvonne Arnaud
Thursday 30th July - Alexandra Palace
Theatre Royal Bath - 10th April
Belgrade Theatre - 10th April
Brighton Festival - 10th April
Leeds Playhouse - 16th May
Manchester Home - 30th April
Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse - 5th May
Yvonne Arnaud - 4th June
Alexandra Palace - 17th June
The Shedload-of-Future Fund awards £5,000 grants annually to artists taking work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time. The fund supports debut performers and companies spanning theatre, comedy, music and the performing arts.
The expanded 2026 Fund is generously supported by Francesca Moody Productions, Multitude Media, Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Plosive, and Mick Perrin Worldwide.
For 2026, we’re offering 5 x £5,000 grants.
These bursaries can be used towards any costs associated with bringing your show to the Fringe – whether that’s travel, marketing, accommodation, set, or simply giving yourself the time and space to create.
Applications for the 2026 Fund will go open on 11 March 2026 at Midday. Applications will close when we hit 150 submissions or on 1 April, whichever comes first.
The form has will have four short stages:
Need support applying?
We’re committed to making the process as accessible as possible. If you’d prefer to apply via video, or if there’s anything else we can do to support your application, please get in touch with us at info@shedinburgh.com
As a part of the application form, we’ll ask the following three questions (max 300 words each):
Want to be reminded when applications open? Make sure you’re signed up to the Shedinburgh mailing list!
Last year we awarded £15,000 to new Fringe artists, supporting exceptional new writing to make it to the stage.
Since Fringe 2025, the shows we supported have transferred to Soho Theatre and The Pleasance, been shortlisted for the BBC Popcorn Award, and been featured in The Guardian and Rolling Stone.
Last year’s winners were:
– Hannah Ogbu-Samuel (Tigers, Not Daughters)
– Chakira Alin (Quite the Cowboy)
Work experience offers practical, hands-on insight into the theatre industry, helping you build skills, confidence, and a clearer understanding of different career pathways. It’s an ideal first step when exploring a future in theatre. As an initial step, we recommend getting in contact with your local theatre to see if they offer any work experience opportunities.
While many people associate theatre careers with performing, there are a huge number of offstage roles that make productions possible. From stage management and lighting to marketing, producing, costume, sound, and technical theatre, work experience allows you to explore these departments and discover which areas interest you most. Taking part in work experience placements can provide a range of valuable benefits, including:
Understanding How Theatres Work:
Working within a theatre environment allows you to see how different departments collaborate to bring a production to life. This perspective is incredibly valuable if you're considering a career in the sector.
Developing Practical Theatre Skills:
Work experience often gives you the chance to assist with real tasks, whether that’s supporting technical teams, observing rehearsals, helping front-of-house teams, or working with marketing and administration departments.
Building Confidence and Professional Skills:
Being part of a professional environment helps you develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are essential across the creative industries.
Making Connections in the Theatre Industry:
The theatre industry is highly collaborative. Work experience placements can introduce you to professionals working in the field and help you begin building a network within the industry.
Strengthening Future Applications:
Whether you're applying for drama school, university courses, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles, work experience demonstrates enthusiasm, initiative, and commitment to the sector.
Many theatres and arts organisations across the UK offer work experience placements, shadowing opportunities, and youth programmes. Availability and application processes vary, but the following organisations regularly provide opportunities for young people interested in theatre careers:
London
South of England
Midlands
North of England
North of England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
You may also want to check the websites of theatres local to you, as many venues offer placements throughout the year or during school holidays.
Work experience is one of the most valuable ways to begin exploring opportunities in theatre. It provides a clearer understanding of how productions are created and how different departments work together behind the scenes.
Whether your interests lie in technical theatre, production, stage management, marketing, or theatre administration, gaining offstage experience is an excellent way to start your journey in the industry.
During this programme you will:
You will do all of this with the guidance and support of acclaimed disabled director, Hana Pascal Keegan.
Hana, is also an experienced director of accessible, inclusive spaces. Hana will be joined by a team of other artists along the way.
You must be available for the dates below to take part in this project
Sign up via the form below or register by contacting us on 020 8510 4512
