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Theatre-makers

We’re committed to helping artists to produce their best work.

We work with around 2,500 creative freelancers every year.

Creative talent is the lifeblood of our industry. We provide support and opportunities to help develop that talent, for our stages and the wider creative industries.

  • We commission and produce new work for our stages, at the South Bank and on tour.
  • We share our resources to help theatre-makers develop work for venues across the UK.
  • We champion equity, diversity and inclusion in our casting opportunities.
  • We create opportunities for  upcoming designers.
  • We offer training and apprenticeships for aspiring  theatre technicians.

Developing new work

Our New Work department has been the starting point for over 160 productions over the last 5 years. We’re a major creative hub for writers, directors and storytellers.

Over 100 projects are on the development slate at any one time, and around 1,000 freelance artists and creatives work with the team each year to create new pieces of theatre for our stages and beyond.

We offer the space, time and investment for theatre-makers to try out unconventional ideas and stories.

Opportunities with New Work

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Supporting directors

Supporting producers across the UK

Our Generate programme shares our resources, to develop productions destined for stages outside the capital.

Our support includes costs like artist fees and travel expenses, as well as space, dramaturgical support, and introductions to co-producing partners.

We are excited to offer tangible support for our colleagues right across the country.

Can Generate support your project?

I can’t express how much we were able to develop and move the work forward. It felt like such a privilege to be supported so well!

Jay Zorenti-Nakhid, Associate Director of Tobacco Factory, Bristol

Casting

Hamlet, wearing a black tie as a headband and a white shirt, raising both hands, and in front of him, a character in red and gold waistcoat, and a red bowler hat.
Photo by Ellie Kurttz

Our Casting Department are committed to promoting and maintaining the excellent standard and quality of actors cast on our stages.

We champion diversity in all forms within casting decisions and are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive audition environment where actors are empowered to do their best work.

Find out more about casting

The National Theatre is a registered charity. Your support can help hundreds of thousands of people experience the joy of theatre.

Supporting the next generation of designers

Technical training

Interested in developing your training opportunities for young people?

Our Technical Training Theatre network helps theatre and arts organisations who are running their own technical and production training for young people. Organisations can join our network to share practice and explore potential future collaborations.

Discover the pathways and training we offer to support an entry-route into backstage and technical careers.

Join the Technical Training Theatre network

More to explore

Explore our other work with audiences across the country, local communities, and young people.