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.

Introducing Parents Unscripted

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!

Why this matters

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.

Share with your networks

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.

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.

Where to Find Theatre Work Experience in the UK

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.

Tips for Finding Theatre Work Experience

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.

A paid summer work and cultural exchange opportunity for creatives aged 18+.

Camp America offers a paid summer opportunity to live and work at an American summer camp for 9–12 weeks, with performing arts and creative roles available across camps in the USA. This is more than just work experience - it’s a chance to use your creative skills while living the full summer camp life!

Creatives from all backgrounds are placed in roles where they can teach, lead and inspire young people through acting, singing, dance, music, technical theatre and production, while also being part of a wider camp community. Alongside your role, you’ll take part in classic camp activities, build international friendships and experience everyday life in the USA. While we work with specialist theatre and performing arts camps, performing arts roles are available across many different camps, not just specialist ones.

This opportunity is ideal for those who:

Camps generally run from mid-Jun to mid-August – but this can vary by camp and location.

The Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance) at Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama (MADD College) is a vocational course which explores contemporary and current practice whilst still acknowledging the traditional methods and practices of Dance. It is the equivalent level of a 1st Year at University. The course provides training in dance alongside a focus on contextual studies and industry knowledge. The aim is to enhance the trained dancer's mindset to become a 'thinking' dancer and not a reciprocal one. 
This programme will allow you to develop a wide range of industry level skills in core dance techniques including Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary dance as well as helping you to establish your unique choreographic identity in training for employment or for continuing on to our HND Level 5 qualification. 
The course is aimed at dedicated learners who want to move into the dance industry. A highly practical course resulting in a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification. It offers an intensive training year with highly skilled specialist staff. 
This exciting course is practically driven to build a solid grounding in performance, theory, industry knowledge, and business skills. 
Recognition 
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Performing Arts (Dance) is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. 
Progression 
Successful graduates can progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND level 5) in Dance. The course also prepares graduates for industry auditions and employment. The Higher National Diploma HND can be applied for here. 
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) is a one year course, designed to provide you with the skills to progress further in the musical theatre industry. Completion of the course will provide you with a Level 4 Certificate and grant you access to a Level 5 Higher National Diploma qualification, in addition to an extensive portfolio/repertoire – which can be used to apply for industry or Higher Education. 
 
This course has been structured to meet the needs of the constantly evolving musical theatre industry; we aim to ensure that you leave with a skill set required for a career in Performing Arts. In the first year of the course (HNC), you will work towards Level 4 HNC in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre), which provides a foundation in the core subjects of acting, singing & dance. This will allow you to progress to the second year to complete the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) course, and develop specialised skills within the set disciplines. 
 
Recognition: 
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Musical Theatre is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. 
 
 
Progression: 
Graduates successfully completing the Higher National Certificate will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of Performing Arts. They will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately and they will have the qualities needed for employment that require some degree of personal responsibility. They will have developed a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence and problem-solving strategies. They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to Performing Arts, show resilience under pressure, and meet challenging targets within a given resource. This will allow you to progress to the second year to complete the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) course, and further develop your specialised skills. 

Based at Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD College).

The Dance Diploma at Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama covers a thorough grounding in technique and performance in subjects, Ballet, Jazz (various styles), Contemporary Lyrical, Tap, Latin, Ballroom, Partner Work, Choreography, Notation, Fitness/Conditioning, Audition Techniques, Professional Development, Ensemble Singing, Health & Safety in training and Performing, Nutrition and other contextual studies to assist the development of skills and understanding needed by the performers of today. 
There are opportunities to perform at Exhibitions & Conferences such as MOVE IT & CYD as well as 'In-House' and external Theatre venues. High profile Industry Professionals, Choreographers and Directors teach at MADD, plus visiting personnel offering close links and direct access into the performing arts industry for MADD students in Theatre, West End, Tours in the UK and Worldwide, Cruise Ships, TV and Film. 
The College is affiliated to the National Union of Students and students can apply for a Totum Card which entitles discounts from a large number of outlets. 
MADD College has charitable status therefore Students will also have the opportunity to receive an assisted place based on a means tested financial assessment of parental financial status. 
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 at Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama 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.  
'The education, enrichment and qualifications are delivered by Virtual Learning UK, who provide and employ all teaching and enrichment staff.' 
Numbers are capped on this course to 30 learners in each year. 
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. 
The Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama Musical Theatre Diploma Course is designed to develop the “Triple Threat” performer who can Sing, Dance and Act.  The CDMT accredited course,  develops the artistic, creative, technical and professional skills that is needed to prepare for a varied high level and sustainable career in Musical Theatre. Supporting studies will also enable students to sustain a long-term career in the Performing Arts industry. Students will have ample opportunity to work with guest artists and directors to enhance their training in addition to the high profile staff MADD offers over the 3 years and lots of performance opportunities. 
Recognition
The Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre is awarded by Trinity College London and regulated by Ofqual.  It is Level 6 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. 
Progression 
Middlesex University offers a work-based, part-time distance learning course, developed in association with Trinity College London, for graduates of this qualification leading to a BA (Hons) Professional Practice. Graduates may also apply directly for some MA courses 
Course Overview: 
 
Study takes place over three years at Midlands Academy of Dance (MADD College) & Drama, Richmond House, Nottingham City Centre. Students work in small classes and receive direct teaching time each week.
 
The course is delivered through classes, projects, workshops and performance opportunities. During the course students engage in a range of performance projects.
 
In the second year, skills are further explored in collaboration classes which include peer integration and team teaching to enhance your creativity and help you to make connections between subjects.
 
Additionally, there is time given to focus on detail and help develop independence and confidence in each individual’s practice. (Course content is subject to change).
 
This degree program will be structured to provide students with real-world skills, such as acting, singing, dancing, choreography, production, and stage management, all underpinned by a strong academic foundation in musical theatre history, theory, and analysis. Graduates of the program will be fully equipped to enter the workforce as versatile, multi-talented professionals prepared to work in theatre, film, television, and other performing arts sectors.
 
Students will have the unique opportunity to work on live productions, attend masterclasses with industry professionals, and engage in collaborative projects that reflect the dynamic nature of the musical theatre industry. The combination of academic study and practical experience ensures that students graduate not only with a degree but with a portfolio of work and professional skills that can be immediately applied in their careers. Both institutions are dedicated to producing highly skilled professionals who are not only artistically capable but also possess a strong theoretical understanding of the industry.
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