Young people
Whether you’re into writing or producing, lighting or sound, performing on stage or making it happen backstage – there’s something here for you.
We work with young people aged 13–25 to explore every aspect of theatre-making. Join in where you are, online or at the National Theatre on London’s South Bank.
Join our Young People’s mailing list 💌
Upcoming workshops
Take a look at our Lifting the Lid and In Focus workshops, all suitable for those aged 16 – 25 at time of application
Photo © Belinda Lawley
Lifting the Lid: London Tide
Our next Lifting the Lid will look at our new production London Tide and explore how music can support storytelling in theatre. This free event on Friday 31 May includes a masterclass, a Q&A with the music team at the National Theatre and a ticket to see that evening’s performance of London Tide in the Lyttelton Theatre. Applications are now open.
In person
Find out what programmes you, or your school or youth group, can get involved with. At the National Theatre on London’s South Bank and across the UK.
Photos © Jimmy Lee
Connections
Have you ever wanted to put on a play? Great news! Connections is here to help.
The National Theatre’s annual youth drama festival is open to schools and youth groups at all levels of experience. Now in its 29th year, over 100,000 young people have taken part. That’s the equivalent of selling out the Olivier 90 times over!
Find out how to put on a play with Connections
Photo © Belinda Lawley
In Focus: theatre-making workshops
The National Theatre’s In Focus workshops are open access to anyone aged 13-25 who wants to take part, meet new people and see theatre.
Each workshop is based around a current National Theatre production and will focus on different areas of theatre-making.
Young Producers
The National Theatre’s free How to be a Producer programme runs every February half-term at our building on the South Bank and is open to those aged 18–25.
In person and online
An Introduction to Stage Management
Learn all about the world of stage management with this free and hybrid course for those aged 16–21.
Photo © Belinda Lawley
Young Technicians
The National Theatre’s Young Technicians programme provides free technical theatre training for young people aged 13–18.
You can apply to take part at the National Theatre in London or as part of the nationwide Young Technicians programme.
In partnership
We are currently working on multi-year creative project in collaboration with people and community organisations across North Kensington, alongside our production Grenfell: in the words of survivors.
As part of this, some of our young people’s programmes will be run in the area specifically for young people who live, work, study or socialise in North Kensington. This year, both Space to Create and Writing for Theatre both took place in person at Morley College, in North Kensington.
Space to Create
The National Theatre’s Space to Create programme brings together young people aged 16–21 to devise and create bold new theatre.
Writing for Theatre
Ever thought about writing a play but don’t know how to get started? Our free playwriting course for 16–25-year-olds can help.
Careers
Whatever stage you’re at in your career, find opportunities at the National Theatre.
Emerging stage designers
The Linbury Prize is for graduating stage designers. It’s open for applications every two years and designed to help support entry into the industry.
Work Placements
Take your first steps into the theatre industry – we have short-term placements available for over-18s.
Apprenticeships
The National Theatre runs an apprenticeship programme across all areas of the organisation.
Archive Volunteers
Volunteer placements are available year-round for UK residents in our Archive.
Our funders
Young People’s Programmes are supported by Bank of America, The Maurice Hatter Foundation and the Richard Radcliffe Trust. With thanks to the MAP Fund.
The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.
Nationwide learning is supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Tim & Sarah Bunting, MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Disabled Children in the Arts, Behrens Foundation, Cleopatra Trust, and The Andor Charitable Trust.
Creative Careers enabled by TikTok.
Find out more about supporting our work
