Ensonglopedia is a neurodivergent-led theatre company and registered charity creating live theatre, songs and teaching resources that bring science and the natural world to life.
They are offering a paid research and development (R&D) opportunity for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creatives to help shape a new inclusive theatre company and the early development of a new project, Project Plantlife (working title). The R&D will explore an interactive, immersive theatre experience focused on plant lifecycles and their role in the ecosystem.
This is a 5-day collaborative R&D process focused on experimentation, play and accessibility rather than producing a finished or performable work-in-progress. All participants will work as equal collaborators, supported by Ensonglopedia’s Artistic Director and Dramaturg.
They are looking for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent:
Applicants should have around 3+ years’ experience (or equivalent), a collaborative practice, and an interest in process-led, cross-disciplinary work.
The R&D will take place at the University of Sussex, Falmer, so applicants should be based in or within commuting distance of the Sussex coast.
Key details:
Applications are now open for BOLD MAKERS 2026. Applicants have three weeks to apply, with the deadline set for midnight on 6 May.
BOLD MAKERS will support three theatre companies working across devising, site-specific work, and physical theatre. Each selected company will be paired with a specialist mentor to support the development of a new piece of work at an early stage.
The mentors for this programme are:
The award is aimed at emerging theatre companies exploring devised performance, including those working in site-specific contexts, physical theatre, or experimental approaches to form and making. It is not open to solo artists at this time.
Applicants must be available for both of the allocated rehearsal periods: 22–28 June and 20–26 July.
Three companies will be selected and will receive:
The programme is designed to support the development of new work through structured mentorship, time, space, and financial support.
Masterclass and Sonia Friedman Productions are offering a paid Directing Internship on the London production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This is an exceptional development opportunity for someone aiming to gain the necessary experience to become a Resident or Associate Director on large-scale commercial production.
The Directing Intern will shadow and work closely with the Associate and Resident Directors across recast, technical and understudy rehearsals, learning how a show of this scale balances rehearsing new and continuing company members with maintaining the quality of the performances.
Not sure what job this internship could lead to? Check out a full list of backstage careers here.
Key Information:
📅 Internship: 17 August 2026 – 18 October 2026 (with potential to extend part-time until the end of November)
🚀 Apply by: 9am, Monday 27 April
🎤 Interviews: Mid-May
💰 Salary: Paid at London Living Wage
📍Location: Based at the Palace Theatre, London (please note: no step-free access)
✍️ Contract Type: Fixed Term
Weekly open level acting classes in Camden for adults
Tuesday evenings - 7pm - 9pm - 21st of april to 23rd of june - NW3
Wednesday morning - 10am - 12.30pm - 15th April - 17th June - NW3
Friday morning - 10am - 12.30pm - 17th april - 19th of june - NW1
Pre book sessions with flexible booking
Pay what you like sliding scale - £10 - £30
contact - contact@furtherthantheedge.com or 0794168206
Applications are now open for PROJEKT EMPOWER - our mentorship program for migrant theatre makers based in the UK.
We match 10 emerging migrant artists with the country’s most successful migrant theatre makers and empower them to become leading creative change makers of the future.
✨ This year's incredible mentors are:
Aline David
Amit Lahav
Gabby Wong
Inua Ellams
Joel Tan
Jordan Fein
Moi Tran
Myanna Buring
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi
Robin Belfield
Head over to our website for more information on the mentors and how to apply.
📍Deadline for applications is midnight 29th April 2026!
How does it work?
We will match 10 emerging artists with 10 of the UK’s most successful migrant theatre makers, and
guide them through a six-month period of one-to-one and group meetings, culminating in an
in-person celebration in London in November 2026 for the full cohort of 20 artists.
With school holidays offering many young people the opportunity to take part in creative activities, it’s often a time when interests grow, and future ambitions begin to take shape.
Whether a young person is already engaged in the arts or just starting to explore, there are many different pathways into a career in the creative industries. However, for many families, these routes can feel unclear or uncertain.
Recent research from Netflix and the National Youth Theatre found that 89% of parents from working-class backgrounds would be unlikely to encourage their child to pursue a career in the creative industries. Building understanding and confidence among parents and carers is an important step in helping more young people feel supported in exploring these opportunities.
Parents Unscripted is a new series from Discover! Creative Careers, created in collaboration with organisations across the creative industries. The series shares the perspectives of parents whose children now work in the sector, offering honest reflections on their journeys.
We’re proud to have collaborated on one of the films in the series, developed alongside Discover! Creative Careers and the National Theatre. In this film, Angela Jumbo, mother of actor and playwright Cush Jumbo, reflects on her child’s journey into the industry and shares her perspective as a parent.
You can watch the other films in the series here!
We know that when parents and carers feel more confident about creative careers, it can make a real difference to a young person’s ability to pursue them.
By sharing these stories, Parents Unscripted aims to open up conversations, challenge misconceptions, and highlight the many routes available across the creative industries.
We encourage teachers, industry professionals and partners to share these films with their networks, whether through newsletters, social media, or conversations with young people and their families.
Helping more families understand the opportunities available in the creative industries is a vital step in supporting the next generation of talent.
Find out more about Discover! Creative Careers here.
Find out more about the National Theatre Skills Centre here.
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.
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
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.
