Applications open for NT’s free online programmes for young people

Providing opportunities for young people who may not otherwise have access to the industry, places on the programmes will be prioritised for young people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, from working class backgrounds, and/or with disabilities. 

How to be a Producer for 16-21-year-olds is led by Tobi Kyeremateng, producer and founder of the Black Ticket Project, alongside producers from the National Theatre (NT), Southbank Centre, Young Vic, and more. 

Through the online course, young people will explore the role of a producer and what it takes to produce cultural events, including in digital form, through interactive tutorials and problem-solving activities. In partnership with the Black Ticket Project, 50% of places will be available for young Black people. The course will take place across evenings in February.

The Young Technicians’ programme for 14-18-year-olds is led by the NT’s technical teams and will introduce the basics of lighting, sound, and video through digital practical workshops, demonstrations and expert Q&As. All participants will receive mini equipment kits to take part in hands-on challenges and learn practical skills. The course will run from January to March. 

Nineteen-year-old Ali Taie took part in the Young Technicians’ Programme in 2018/19 and said, ‘Young Technicians' came up at the perfect time for me. Back then, I was still in college and the idea of doing theatre was very distant, but doing it helped me understand all of the various roles in theatre that would suit me, along with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of each backstage role in technical theatre and just how critical all members are. 

‘It is the direct reason behind the founding of my current theatre company (Opsis Theatre Co), as well as my choice to go to the university which I’m currently attending.’ 

These free courses are part of the National Theatre’s Youth Programme for 16-21-year-olds. Key dates and more information on how to apply can be found on the National Theatre website.