Details of Departments offering placements

Each department will have different times in which they are accepting applications, it is advised that you send in an application as far in advance as possible.

It is advised that you apply up to six months in advance for speculative applications. 

All applications must be made using a question sheet; CVs alone are not permitted.  We do endeavour to respond to all applications, however we do ask for your patience.  

If the department you are interested in is listed but not currently offering work placement please check back here soon as there are regular updates made to this page. We politely ask that you do not contact departments directly.​

• Audience Experience (Enterprises)

Enterprises 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. 

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• Costume & Running Wardrobe

The Costume department is made up of several departments which offer placements: Ladies Making,  Running Wardrobe 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 graduated in the last 12 months; placements generally last up to two weeks. 

The Costume & Running Wardrobe role outline can be downloaded here

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• Digital Drawing

The Digital Drawing Office makes use of Computer Aided Design technology to assist the design and production process. We offer 2 week placements for candidates interested in developing their skills in theatre set drawing and production. We 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.  

The Digital Drawing role outline can be downloaded here

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• HR Department

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.

This department is not currently accepting new applications

• Learning 

The department are currently advertising for an events placement in the learning programme across the build up to and delivery of October half term activities. Placements should be in second or third year of a relevant course in drama and theatre studies, applied drama or arts management, or have equivalent experience which could be from employment or training. 

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

 

• Lighting

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 Lighting department role outline can be downloaded here

The Lighting department question sheet can be downloaded here

• Production 

The Production department oversees the production management of all the shows at the National Theatre. Production placements last between 2-4 weeks to allow candidates the opportunity to experience the whole production process from start to finish.  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.  

Please note that a Production Management placement at the NT does not offer any Producing experience.

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• Props

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 include pictures of previous work in their application; applicants for Prop Buying should have some experience in either stage management or prop sourcing.

Please ensure that pictures of your work are included in your application. 

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• Scenic Construction

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.  

 

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• Scenic Painting

Placements in the Scenic Studio last two weeks. Applicants should be on year two or three of a relevant course or have equivalent experience.  

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• Sound & Video 

The Sound & Video department is made up of sound & video technicians for the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres, Video Specialists and the Sound Resources & Events department. Placements last between 2-6 weeks and are focused around tech periods in the theatres or specific events. Applicants should have some experience within a backstage or theatrical environment, be enthusiastic and interested in developing a career in sound and/or video; we also welcome those studying on a HE course in their second or third year.

The Sound & Video role outline can be downloaded here

The Sound & Video question sheet can be downloaded here

• Stage Management

The Stage Management department at the NT are a key part in the organisation and coordination of an NT production. We offer 4-6 week placements for candidates interested in a career in Stage Management. The placements will be show specific and will give successful candidates the opportunity to gain an accurate view and experience of a busy Stage Management department

The Stage Management role outline can be downloaded here

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• Stage Crew

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.

The Stage department role outline can be downloaded here

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

• Wigs, Hair & Make-Up

Placements in the Wigs, Hair and Make-Up department last two weeks 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. 

This department is not currently accepting new applications.

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