Norwich Theatre has opened applications for two Work Experience weeks running in 2027. The programmes are designed to open the theatre’s doors to young people across the region, particularly those who may not usually have access to creative industry opportunities.
For many young people work experience is a starting point for discovering a new talent, interest or potential future career that they may never have considered before.
Norwich Theatre will run two programmes a year, giving up to 25 young people aged 14-18yrs the chance to take part in a week-long, hands-on experience inside a working theatre.
The first week is a Theatre Work Experience Week, designed to introduce young people to the teams that work behind the scenes to run Norwich Theatre, such as Marketing & Communications, Programming, Commercial, and Technical/Backstage. The aim is to show that theatre is for everyone and that there are many opportunities to work in the creative arts.
The second week is an Introduction to Backstage Work Experience Week, introducing young people to the creative and technical departments, including costume, set design, lighting, sound and stage management. Young people will get the opportunity to learn about bringing a production to life, and the different creative and technical avenues they could choose for future careers.
Both weeks will give the young people access to professionals to share their individual pathways into their careers and are designed to develop confidence, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Jo Reil, Head of Creative Learning at Norwich Theatre, said: “The performing and visual arts sector contributes around £11.7 billion to the UK economy and supports more than 270,000 jobs, yet many young people and families don’t realise that a career within the arts is a viable one. Through our Creative Learning work, we want to help change this and make sure young people, whatever their background, get the opportunity to experience and gain hands-on insight into the creative industries.”
The work experience weeks are open to anyone aged 14 – 18 (at the time of the placement) who lives within Norfolk or Suffolk, has an interest in theatre or creative subjects, and can commit to the full week. Applications are now open, and close on 30 November.
Click here to find out more and apply.