What Is Tech Futures?
A programme of workshops and practical opportunities, designed to introduce participants to the range of technical skills/roles involved in putting on a theatre production or other live event, and provide signposting for future training and career development.
This programme is part funded by the European Social Fund.
Who Is It For?
The programme is open to anyone who is unemployed or economically inactive who has a ‘beginner’s interest’ in working behind the scenes in backstage or technical departments including stage, scenic flying, lighting, sound and stage management.
To apply you must:
- be legally resident in the UK and able to take paid employment in an EU member state
- be aged 18 years or over
- be unemployed (persons who are without work, available for work and actively seeking work)
- or be inactive (not in employment and not registered as unemployed. This includes part-time students and people with caring responsibilities or who are unable to work for other reasons)
We are particularly interested in hearing from women, people who have a disability and people from diverse backgrounds.
What can I expect on the programme?
Participants will take part in a series of 15 two-hour weekly workshops introducing the technical roles involved in creating a theatre production or live event covering Stage Management, Lighting, Sound, Stage, and Flys.
Delivered by a dedicated tutor and members of the Northcott Theatre’s technical team, workshops will be a mixture of digital (Zoom) and face to face sessions in the theatre. The programme will work theoretically and practically through the process of creating a production from a technical perspective.
Participants will attend up to three additional one to one sessions (face to face or online) with the programme tutor to discuss their goals and aspirations for the programme and future plans.
There will be a number of opportunities to put into practice technical skills working alongside the technical team on real life events.
What will I get out of the programme?
- Vocational training in technical theatre production skills
- Practical, technical experience
- An understanding of the sector, the nature of employment and industry contacts
- CV building
- Opportunity to apply for work opportunities with the Northcott on completion.
All participants will be presented with certificates on completion of the programme and will get notice of future employment opportunities at the Theatre as well as advice and guidance on career development and training.
What does it Cost?
The programme is free for participants as it is supported through the European Social Fund. However, the true value of the programme is over £1,000 per person. A limited number of bursaries to support travel and other access costs are available – please complete the appropriate section of the application form linked below if this support might make it possible for you to take part.
How To Get Involved
Applicants must be Devon-based and aged 18+ years.
Please note that this is a professional development opportunity, so we’re looking for people who already have some experience within one or more technical theatre discipline and are interested on developing a career within the theatre / events industry.
As part of our commitment to addressing historic under-representation of certain groups within the arts, we positively welcome applications from people of African and Caribbean heritage, people of South Asian, East Asian and South East Asian Heritage, D/deaf and disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those experiencing barriers due to their socio-economic background. We also guarantee to interview any suitably qualified d/Deaf and/or disabled applicants.
The deadline for applications has now passed. Please check back for updates about the project.
