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Work Placements

National Theatre during the day from northeast corner

Work Placements

Please note that due to the current circumstances regarding COVID-19  we are unable to schedule new placements at the present time. Unfortunately, we do not anticipate work placements being advertised until Spring 2021 at the very earliest.  

Thank you for your patience.

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. 

Work Placements

  • Work Placements at the NT are for people aged 18 and over, and are offered in a variety of different departments.
  • Placements are open to over 18s studying at a UK educational institution (school, college, university) and those who have left an institution in the last year at the time of application.
  • If the department you are interested in is currently accepting applications for work placements please view the role outlines and use the question sheet provided to apply for the role.
  • You are able to apply for more than one department but you must use a separate question sheet for each department.
  • It is advised that you apply for a placement as far in advance as possible as popular departments receive a number of requests for placements and fill up spaces quickly.

PLEASE NOTE: Placements will NOT be available in Acting, Writing, Directing, Producing, Casting or Set Design.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with your application you can email [email protected]

We encourage applications from all sections of the community and in particular those which are currently under-represented at the NT including BAME & disabled candidates.

Details of Departments offering placements

  • Each department will have different times in which they are accepting applications, it is not possible to accept speculative applications. 
  • It is advised that you apply up to six months in advance for those departments with rolling application dates.
  • 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.​

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

  • NT Archive

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 the Archive Assistant ([email protected]) for more information and details on how to apply.

 

Opportunities for under-18s

The NT is not able to offer individual work experience to people under-18.

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

Departments currently advertising for placements:

Departments not currently advertising:

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.

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.

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.

Learning

NT Learning gives everyone the chance to discover new skills and experience the excitement of theatre, through inspiring projects at the National Theatre, in schools and with people of all ages across the UK.

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.

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.

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.

Scenic Painting

Placements in the Scenic Studio last two weeks.

licants should be on year two or three of a relevant course or have equivalent experience.

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.

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.

Stage Crew

The Stage department is made up of the stage crews in the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres in the NT building.

Stage CrewPlacements last between 3-4 weeks and are usually focused around fit up and tech periods.

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.

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