Applications open for young people across Manchester to take part in the National Theatre’s Young Technicians programme.
Young people from across Greater Manchester can now sign up to take part in the National Theatre’s Nationwide Young Technicians programme as applications open today for the free theatre training programme.
The Nationwide Young Technicians programme offers 13-19-year-olds the chance to develop practical skills and learn about the variety of backstage and off-stage roles that exist within theatre. The 11 weeklong programme covers lighting, staging, sound and video from 9 January 2024.
The programme is delivered through online and in-person sessions, with participants having the chance to take part in practical training workshops at HOME, Manchester. In addition to the in-person workshops, online sessions are delivered by leading industry professionals from the National Theatre with all participants receiving kit boxes to practise their skills at home. The sessions include exploring storytelling with sound, using a circuit board to learn how electrical systems work in a theatre and how to tie knots to rig or fly pieces of set during shows.
Anna (age 17), a previous Nationwide Young Technician from Manchester, said “I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have completed this course and for the resources provided to us and for the opportunity and facilities provided to us at HOME Theatre. I feel I have gained some valuable knowledge which I don’t doubt I will use in my future!”
Alice King-Farlow, Director of Learning and National Partnerships at the National Theatre, said “The National Theatre is committed to sparking the imaginations of young people across the UK and creating opportunities to learn more about theatre. The Nationwide Young Technicians’ programme is a brilliant way for young people right across the country to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable experiences and transferable skills for future careers. By making roles in theatre more visible and creating accessible routes into the industry we hope more young people will be inspired to discover future careers in theatre and wider creative industries.”
The Nationwide Young Technicians Programme is also being delivered in Nottingham and Plymouth in partnership with Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Royal Plymouth.
The National Theatre is committed to diversity and priority will be given to groups currently under-represented in the field of technical theatre. This includes young people of colour, deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, people from working class backgrounds, and women and non-binary people.
No prior knowledge or experience is required to apply for this programme.
Applications for the Nationwide Young Technician programme is now open and close on Monday 4th December at 10.00am. To apply please visit the NT Website.