16 November 2025
Marco Gandolfi
The National Theatre (NT) has opened applications for three major training programmes, reaffirming its commitment to inspire and equip the next generation of backstage professionals and address the growing skills shortage impacting the UK’s creative industries.
Coinciding with Discover Creative Careers Month in November, the National Theatre Skills Centre, in partnership with Bank of America, is launching a new Introduction to Stage Design course. This initiative will run alongside the next iterations of its successful Nationwide Young Technicians and How to be a Producer programmes. These initiatives collectively provide young people nationwide with hands-on training, expert mentorship, and vital insight into the wide range of creative and technical roles that underpin world-class theatre.
This drive is urgently needed, as 65% of creative industry vacancies are currently classified as hard-to-fill, according to Skills England. New research also shows that nearly half of young people interested in the sector do not know what skills or qualifications are required, a knowledge gap worsened by the sharp decline in Drama GCSE and A-Level students.
NT Executive Director Kate Varah emphasised the importance of these roles: “The true craft of a performance goes far beyond what we see on stage; it’s the countless design and technical elements... that create the unforgettable moments that captivate us. Our programmes are essential to creating and sustaining the future workforce.” Since its launch, the Skills Centre has already benefited over 4,800 young people nationwide.
The new Introduction to Stage Design (Feb-Mar 2026) offers 16-19-year-olds weekly practical workshops culminating in an exhibition. The Nationwide Young Technicians course (Jan-Mar 2026) offers 14-18-year-olds online sessions to learn technical skills and industry routes. Finally, How to be a Producer (Feb 2026) is a week-long intensive for 18-25-year-olds focusing on essential skills like budgeting and project management, led by award-winning producer Ellie Keel.
Additionally, on 27 November, the NT will host a special Careers Day for over 100 secondary school students to provide hands-on stage management workshops and backstage tours.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the initiative, stating that to “keep the magic of our creative industries alive, we must nurture a new generation of talent by demystifying creative jobs.”
Applications for all three programmes close at 10am on 1 December 2025.
