We are looking to cast three female actors/devisers through an open casting call out. We want to meet actors of all ages, body types and backgrounds to come on board to work with us and our wonderful creative team of brilliant women for the first research and development phase of this brand new show. 

We will be holding casting workshops on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th November in Newcastle city centre. 

We are looking to meet actors who are: 

Dates:

We are particularly interested to meet actors from the north east, actors from the Global Majority and those who are not originally from the UK and bring an international perspective.

English National Ballet’s artist support scheme

An initiative led by English National Ballet’s Engagement team, to give east London based independent dance artists and creatives an inspiring space at Mulryan Centre for Dance to explore and enrich their creative practice. We offer a themed Ideas Incubator, networking opportunities, and a Space Scheme which is free of charge to dancers and choreographers, as part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing creative professional development in our community.

This scheme offers independent dance artists the freedom to develop their artistic practice at Mulryan Centre for Dance, without expectations of a return. Applications are open to choreographers or dance artists from any dance background, who are resident in East London or who can demonstrate that the majority of their work is based in East London.

Studio space is offered for 5 days to dancers/choreographers with 5+ years’ experience and for 3 days to early career artists via an application process on the following dates:

3-day residency - LMCT Studio, suitable for up to 8 dancers

Mon 17 – Wed 19 Nov 2025
Thu 20 – Sat 22 Nov 2025

5-day residency - Nureyev Studio, suitable for up to 25 dancers

Tue 18 – Sat 22 Nov 2025


Self-Care Workshops for Individual Artists. Artists can sign up for a maximum of 2 workshops – we will be running a waiting list.

This seminar is led and designed by Dr Annette Clancy for artists navigating the highs and lows of a professional career exploring how creative practitioners can work with disappointment to build long-term resilience.

Morning Session - Start time 10am. Finish time 12pm.

Afternoon Session - Start time 1pm. Finish time 3pm.

Tea / coffee provided at registration.

Number of places at each session - 24.


Polka’s Catapult Programme consists of two seed funding strands, which are designed to platform underrepresented Artists and to help bring brand new ideas and concepts to life. Both programmes are open to Artists at any stage of their career, and from any creative discipline. 

The TYA sector is currently significantly underrepresented with work from artists from the Global Majority, who identify as disabled, LGBTQ+, or who come from a lower socio-economic background. There is also a real need to identify brand new stories for children – those not adapted from books, tv shows or films or western fairy tales. We are looking for artists who can address these gaps, with the very best innovative new ideas for children’s theatre.

First Steps: For brand new ideas for audiences of 0-6 years

Next Steps: For taking that first draft or second R&D to the next stage for audiences of 0-12 years

Both strands offer mentoring, training, free rehearsal space, scratch performance opportunities and tickets to Polka productions. 

BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content.  
 
The BTEC study programme can be accessed from 16 years of age and is delivered by our highly trained professional artists and performing arts teachers within each learning facility over two years. Students will train and perform within our professional, purpose-built studios providing a unique and true vocational experience. 
 
As one of the oldest Musical Theatre colleges we'll ensure you maximise your true potential as you'll work closely with our working industry professionals. You will receive a high level performing arts training and work towards achieving the highest grades possible in line with our high internal standards to become the very best version of you. 
 
You will be assessed through practical performances, rehearsals, training sessions and assignments. This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow you to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.  
 
 
Recognition 
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Musical Theatre) is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. This qualification is equivalent to 3 A-levels and worth up to 168 UCAS points. 
 
Progression 
This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow learners to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.
 
 
 
 
 

‘Creative Wellbeing’ – the title seems self-explanatory, but when does it get taught? Talked about? Not only will this workshop examine ways in which we can nurture our stress as artists, but will also look at how to identify and advocate for your boundaries - both in process and practice. What comes after you’ve said “no”? How does creative risk continue? You will be practically exploring exactly that. Other topics may include neurodiversity, burnout and supporting others. Creative Wellbeing aims to give young people aged 14-21 the language and confidence to create theatre healthily, honestly and unbound.

Applications are now OPEN to join the 2026 cohort of SPRINGBOARD.

Springboard is our free training programme that aims to find, shape, inspire, champion and sustain the next generation of performers from underrepresented backgrounds.

This groundbreaking programme is a performance pathway into employment designed specifically to support young people aged 18-25yrs who live in West London, have zero to little formal drama training and are currently underrepresented in theatre.

Each year, 10 new trainees are enrolled in the programme, benefitting from a bursary that will support them while they take part in a wide range of development initiatives including performances, workshops, masterclasses, artist development and opportunities both on and off the stage.

Trainees receive hundreds of engagement opportunities over their attachment to the Lyric. They learn from leading industry practitioners in masterclasses led by Main House directors; Lyric Artistic Associates Nina Steiger, Tinuke Craig, Tanika Gupta, Philip McMahon and Good Teeth; and the Lyric’s Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie and Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.

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.

If you’re aged 18-25 with an interest in creating theatre and performing, this group meet weekly on Thursdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Sessions are guided by our team of professional artists to give you the opportunity to develop as a performer. You will explore techniques and creative processes that can contribute to a future career in the arts.

This activity is free and no previous experience is needed!

Want to know more and meet the team? Come to our Open Day on Tue 28 Oct, 3.30pm-6pm.

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.

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