The aim of the Work Placement programme at the National Theatre is to create opportunities in theatre for as many people as possible, across a broad range of disciplines and departments. The focus of the scheme is to improve inclusion of people from a diverse array of backgrounds, especially those from groups currently under-represented in our workforce, and to offer new routes into the NT and the wider theatre industry.
Work Placements for over 18s
Work Placements at the NT are for people aged 18 and over, and are offered in a variety of different departments. Placements are aimed at UK-based applicants with relevant experience, often (but not always) in higher education, on the second or third year of a relevant course. The NT also offers placements to recent graduates and career changers with the right attitude and experience.
We have recently completed our latest recruitment for placements; opportunities have now been allocated until the end of October 2017 in most departments.
The next recruitment will take place later this year. You are welcome to fill out this Question Sheet and send it with your CV to workplacements@nationaltheatre.org.uk for consideration, but please note that your application will be kept on file and not be processed until the next recruitment for placements.
It is advisable to make your application as specific as possible to one department; the NT does not offer placements across multiple departments.
PLEASE NOTE: Placements will NOT be available in Acting, Directing or Set Design.
If you have any questions, you can email workplacements@nationaltheatre.org.uk
Opportunities for under-18s
The NT is not able to offer individual work experience to people under-18.
Youth Programme for 16–21-year-olds
If you are under-18 and interested in getting involved with the National Theatre, you can look at our Youth Programme for 16–21-year-olds. From Q&As to workshops and screenings to short courses, if you are aged 16–21 then there is an opportunity for you at the NT. For more information please visit the Young People pages on the NT website
Entry Pass
For opportunities and offers for 16–21-year-olds, you can also join Entry Pass
Paid Internships
The NT offers a number of paid internships through Creative Access, throughout the year. You can have a look at the Creative Access website for more details.
Volunteering Opportunities
The NT Archive is situated outside the main NT building on The Cut, next to the Old Vic Theatre. Volunteering opportunities vary in duration and are aimed at those with a strong interest and qualification in Archiving. Email Jennie Borzykh, Archive Assistant (archive@nationaltheatre.org.uk) for more information and details on how to apply.
Details of Departments offering placements
Technical and Production
Scenic Construction at the NT covers the Metal Workshop and Carpentry Workshop. Placements last between 2-3 weeks and are aimed at those who can demonstrate a strong desire to work in a scenic workshop or students on year two or three of a relevant course, or those who can demonstrate they have equivalent experience. Placement opportunities with this department are now fully booked until October 2017.
Placements in the Scenic Studio last two weeks. Applicants should be on year two or three of a relevant course or have equivalent experience. Placement opportunities with this department are now fully booked until October 2017.
The Digital Drawing & Design Office makes use of Computer Aided Design technology to assist the design and production process. We offer 2-4 week placements for candidates interested in developing their skills in theatre and set design and offer placements to both recent graduates and career changers. Basic IT skills are essential and some understanding of either AutoCAD or Adobe Products is very helpful.
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Costume & Running Wardrobe
The Costume department is made up of several departments which offer placements: Ladies Making, Running Wardrobe, Dye Shop and Buying Department. Applicants should identify the discipline they would prefer to work in. As the nature of costume work is constantly varied, no guarantees can be given as to specific techniques or skills you will encounter at the time of the placement, but successful candidates will be able to gain an accurate view and experience a busy working Costume department. Applicants should be on year two or three of a relevant costume course or have equivalent experience; placements last up to two weeks. Placement opportunities with this department are now fully booked until December 2017.
Placements in the Hair and Make-Up department last one week and are based almost entirely around wig dressing; a good understanding of wig dressing is required. Applicants need to be on year two or three of a relevant course or have equivalent experience. Placement opportunities with this department are now fully booked until December 2017.
The Production department oversees the production management of all the shows at the National Theatre. Production placements last between 8-10 weeks to allow candidates the opportunity to experience the whole production process from start to finish. Please note that a Production Management placement at the NT does not offer any Producing experience. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of technical theatre and demonstrate an enthusiastic and proactive attitude. Successful candidates are usually on year two or three of a relevant degree course or have equivalent experience.
Placements in the Props department last one to two weeks. Opportunities are offered in Prop Making and Prop Buying. Applicants for Prop Making placements should have demonstrable craft experience and pictures of previous work; applicants for Prop Buying should have some experience in either stage management or prop sourcing. Placement opportunities with this department are now fully booked until June 2017.
The Stage department is made up of the stage crews in the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres in the NT building. Placements last between 3-4 weeks and are usually focused around fit up and tech periods. Placement opportunities with this department are now fully booked until September 2017.
The Lighting department is made up of Lighting Operational teams in the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres and supported by the Lighting Resources and Lighting Control teams. Placements last between 1-4 weeks and are usually focused around tech periods in the theatres. Applicants should be studying at degree level in year two or three of a relevant course or have equivalent experience.
The Sound & Video department is made up of sound crews for the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres, the Video department and the Sound Resources department. Placements last between 2-6 weeks and are usually focused around tech periods in the theatres. Applicants should be studying at degree level in year two or three of a relevant course or have equivalent experience.
Theatre Marketing
The Graphic Design Studio produces images for all productions and plays a vital role in supporting the NT’s other activities. It produces printed and digital materials to support the marketing of all NT projects, and within the building designs everything from signage to uniforms. Placements take place four times per year and last two to three weeks. These opportunities are aimed at those in the third year or recent graduates of a relevant course. Applicants should be able to demonstrate digital and print design skills and have a positive, can-do attitude.
Front of House
Commercial Operations at the NT covers many of the Front of House departments in the organisation: Catering, Kitchens, Events, Retail, House Management, Tours, Facilities Management, Finance, and Human Resources. Due to the wide scope of the department, for the most part, placements can be offered to applicants from a variety of different backgrounds and last between 1-4 weeks. Please focus on only one of these areas in your placement application.
Theatre Administration
The HR Department helps the National create value through its people by developing long-term strategies for growth and development. The department deals with all staff-related matters including writing policies and procedures and communicating them to staff and managers, recruitment and selection, absence management, performance management, diversity and inclusion, pay and benefits, welfare, and training and development. They also deal with legal issues, help to shape the culture of the organisation and focus on what keeps staff productive and engaged. Placements last 1-2 weeks and are aimed at those with a strong interest in arts administration and an enthusiastic, proactive attitude. Placement opportunities with this department are now fully booked until September 2017.
