What does it mean to be a theatre maker today?
A UK-wide free training programme for ages 18–30
Dive into the world of theatre-making and shape the future of Theatre with OV Theatre Makers, a free, six-month training programme.
With the support of director Joseph Hancock and leading professional theatre makers, you’ll explore contemporary theatre-making practices to provide you with a toolkit of skills to begin developing your own work and career. Developing a broad range of theatre making skills from writing and devising to directing and producing you will then have the chance to showcase your work in a Scratch Night at a professional theatre venue.
Travel to London will be required and we’re able to support with costs if needed.
The programme will include:
- A weekend launch event, joined by Old Vic staff
- 14 masterclass days, September 2024–January 2025, led by Director Joseph Hancock and guest practitioners from a range of theatre disciplines such as writing, directing and producing
- A Scratch Night, showcasing participants’ work presented at a professional theatre venue
- Bespoke workshops on networking, freelancing, how to pitch, collaboration and wellbeing
- A theatre ticket allowance
- Tickets to two Old Vic productions
- Support with travel costs for the duration of the project if required
- Guidance and support from the OV Theatre Makers Director and Participation Manager
- The opportunity to join our alumni network ‘OV Connect’ which allows you to stay connected to The Old Vic through a variety of free workshops, networking events and tickets to see Old Vic productions
OV Theatre Makers is a six-month programme. Participants must be able to commit to the following dates:
Programme launch
A weekend of introductory sessions to help participants integrate with other members of the company and be introduced to The Old Vic and how we work. We will take the company to see an Old Vic production on Saturday evening and Sunday’s session will be held at the Scratch Night theatre venue.
- Sat 14 Sep, 10am–5pm (Old Vic performance from 7.30pm-10pm)
- Sun 15 Sep, 10am–5pm
In-person masterclass sessions: September 2024–January 2025
This programme will take place in person at an accessible venue near The Old Vic. From September to December we meet every two weeks and in January we meet each week in the run up to the Scratch Night.
In-person masterclass sessions will take place on:
- Sat 28 Sep, 10am–5pm
- Sat 12 Oct, 10am–5pm
- Sat 26 Oct, 10am–5pm
- Sat 09 Nov, 10am–5pm
- Sat 23 Nov, 10am–5pm
- Sat 07 Dec, 10am–5pm
- Sat 11 Jan, 10am–5pm
- Sat 18 Jan, 10am–5pm
- Sat 25 Jan 10am–5pm
- Sun 26 Jan, 10am–5pm
Scratch Night
Using what they’ve learnt, participants will come together to devise and curate responsive pieces of theatre to showcase and amplify their work, ideas and voices. This will be performed to an invited audience at a professional theatre venue.
- Fri 31 Jan, Tech and Dress rehearsals, 10am–6pm
- Sat 01 Feb, Scratch Night, 10am–10pm
Applications are now closed. We aim to let applicants know if they have been shortlisted for the final recruitment stage w/c 08 July. You can register your interest for next year via our online form.
Information session
We will be holding an online information session on Mon 10 Jun from 7–8pm with Director Joseph Hancock and Participation Coordinator Charlotte Gaughan. This is an opportunity to hear more about the programme and ask any questions you might have/check your eligibility.
To attend please complete our registration form.
Selection workshops
Successful candidates will be invited to attend a fun and relaxed recruitment workshop to allow us to get to know you better and build our company. These will take place in St Andrews, Short Street, London SE1 8LJ. This is an accessible venue 5 mins from Waterloo station. Please note the online session is prioritised for candidates who live outside London.
These will take place on either:
- Sat 20 Jul 10.30am–12.30pm
- Sat 20 Jul 2–4pm
- Mon 22 Jul 7–9pm (Online)
- Thu 25 Jul 7–9pm
If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please get in touch via ovtheatremakers@oldvictheatre.com
Who is this programme for?
OV Theatre Makers covers a broad range of theatre making disciplines as well as practical guidance on how to develop and sustain a career in the industry. As such we are looking for people with a passion for theatre making who would benefit from developing new skills, confidence and networks. No previous experience is necessary.
We are committed to identifying and resolving barriers which may ordinarily exclude people from accessing theatre and are therefore particularly keen to hear from people who have had limited or no access to arts opportunities in the past. This includes those from the global majority, care-experienced, carers, those from working class backgrounds, neurodiverse people, and disabled people.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be aged 18–30 and based in the UK
- You must be able to travel to London to take part. We are able to support with travel if required
- You must be able to attend all dates
- As an alternative route to formalised education, the programme is not open to anyone who has already received/ is receiving formal, degree level (or equivalent) arts training. This includes attending Drama School or any Theatre/Drama/Acting/Performance/Technical Theatre related degrees. We will consider those who have a foundation degree on a case by case basis.
- We are committed to working with people who have a disability or identify as neuro-diverse (for example: dyslexia, ADHD, autism) and can make adjustments at all stages of the application process and the programme itself
- If you have a different learning style, we can change the course content to suit you
- We can bring in additional staff support if required
- The project will take place at a venue with step-free access
- We can provide travel support if needed
If you have any questions, or need any help completing your application, please contact: ovtheatremakers@oldvictheatre.com or call 0203 954 3155.