At the Donmar we are passionate about supporting the next generation of talent and creating equitable access to the industry. Our Talent Development programmes seek to address the barriers which prevent people who have been historically underrepresented in the theatre industry access opportunities to train alongside leading talent.

We run bespoke programmes to support the development of the next generation of the theatre workforce in creative and administrative roles, and work in partnership with drama schools to offer placements on our mainstage and Donmar LOCAL projects.

All opportunities are advertised on the vacancies section of our website.

Resident Assistant Director Scheme

The Resident Assistant Director (RAD) scheme has been successfully running for fifteen years, with previous RADs including Josie Rourke, Rupert Goold, Sacha Wares and Lynette Linton.

We offer two RAD positions per year for early career directors to work in residence at the Donmar, developing their craft as directors and as artistic leaders of the future. RADs work as assistant directors on productions, and contribute to the Casting, Literary and Participation departments with the development of projects.

This position is advertised on a yearly basis on the vacancies section of our website.

CATALYST

CATALYST facilitates paid training opportunities for creatives and arts administrators.

Each year, we offer paid Creative Assistant placements in set and costume design, sound design and lighting design. Creative Assistants are mentored by industry leading creatives and supported with access to mentoring opportunities following their placement.

CATALYST also supports year-long traineeships in the Donmar office, working within the Development and Participation departments. The Administrative Assistant positions are delivered in partnership with Creative Access.

Stage Management Placements

The Donmar offers a stage management placement on every production, working from the first day of rehearsals through to press night. The role involves helping the Assistant Stage Manager with the researching, sourcing and/or making of both props and furniture, and assisting the Deputy Stage Manager in rehearsals with setting-up, re-setting and scene changes.

This is a voluntary position for students in their final year of stage management training or similar, where a work placement is necessary as part of the course.

Work Experience and Placements

Pathways: Work Experience is our annual work experience programme for 16-19 year olds. You can find out more about this programme on the link below. 

As we are a small organisation, we only offer work experience and placements through the programmes listed on this page.

Supported by:

Noël Coward Foundation
Austin & Hope Pilkington Foundation