The National Theatre has today opened applications for two free training programmes aimed at creating the next generation of technicians and producers. The Nationwide Young Technicians and How to Be a Producer training programmes are launched in support of this year’s Discover! Creative Careers Week (18-22 November) with the aim of inspiring young people to consider careers in the creative sector.
The Nationwide Young Technicians programme will be taught in a hybrid format, with participants across the country learning online and attending practical workshop sessions in one of the National Theatre’s partner venues: HOME Manchester, Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Royal Plymouth. The 11-week programme is aimed at participants aged 13 to 19 and covers lighting, staging, sound and video.
Simon Stephens, head of the National Theatre’s Skills Centre, said: ‘The National Theatre is the largest employer in the not-for-profit theatre sector, and a skills incubator for the entire creative industries. Whether you have prior knowledge or simply a passion for theatre, we offer young people a clear route to learn new skills and explore careers in the theatre sector. We are delighted to be opening applications for our courses, developing a new tour and participating in this year’s Discover! Creative Careers Week to raise awareness of those less visible roles in theatre.’
The How to be a Producer programme is open to participants aged 18 to 25 and will be led by theatre producer and facilitator Ellie Keel, plus further experts from across the industry, at the National Theatre Studio in London. The course will offer participants advice on team building, working with artists, venues and organisations, and project management skills as well as the opportunity to produce a series of live and in-person events at the National Theatre.
Applications for these programme open ahead of this year’s Discover! Creative Careers Week, and coincide with the early 2025 launch of National Theatre’s new Careers in Action backstage tour offering a behind-the-scenes look at all aspects of the backstage world, from scenic art to carpentry, metalwork to prop-making. The tour was co-created by sixth-form students from Chadwell Heath Academy.
Applications for How to be a Producer close on 22 November, while applications for Nationwide Young Technicians close on 9 December.