Explore a Week in Theatre with the Donmar Warehouse & Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
10 - 14 August 2026
Interested in working in theatre but not sure where to start?
Join us this August for a free, five-day theatre course delivered by the Donmar and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Gain hands-on experience with industry experts and take the next step towards a career in Set and Costume Design, Lighting, Sound, and Stage Management & Stage Technology.
Discover how artists apply artistic and technical skills in real productions, explore pathways into work including apprenticeships, Higher Education and early career employment opportunities.
You’ll build a portfolio of work, meet top industry professionals, and watch a performance at the Donmar.
When and Where?
- 10 - 14 August 2026
- 9:30am – 5pm each day
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in Swiss Cottage, London.
What to expect
- Fun, engaging, and practical training from theatre designers and technicians
- Opportunities to ask questions, learn directly from theatre professionals, and explore your next steps in the sector
- Travel bursaries available for Camden and Westminster applicants
- A ticket to a Donmar production and reunion event on the 10 September 2026
- Access free tickets for each of our productions as part of the Donmar Alumni Community
- Access to application support for courses at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Who can apply?
The programme is open to applications from all young people aged 16–19 in London, and anyone is welcome to apply.
A proportion of places on this project are reserved for young people who have historically had less access to training and creative opportunities, and those who are local to the Donmar & Royal Central.
We particularly welcome applications from young people who meet any one of the following widening participation criteria:
- Your household income is under £35k
- You have ever received free school meals (FSM), either currently or while you were in school
- You have a disability or are neurodivergent
- You are from a Global Majority background
- You are care experienced, or are a young carer
- You are a forced migrant (refugee or asylum seeker)
- You live in an area that is low under England’s index of multiple deprivation (Score 1 or 2 - you can check your postcode here or email local@donmarwarehouse.com and we will check for you)
How to join
Head to Royal Central’s website to apply by 9am on Monday 13 July 2026.
You will be asked for some basic information about you, and to respond to the following three questions. This allows us to understand why this programme is right for you and what you hope to gain from joining the course.
- Tell us about a piece of theatre, film, music or art that has inspired or excited you and why? What did you like about it, why did you connect with it?
- Which area of theatre or the creative arts are you most interested in as a career, and why? If you have considered a career in this area, what is this area of work and why? If you are unsure, or have limited knowledge of careers in this area, what are you intrigued by?
- Why would you like to take part in the Young Creatives & Technicians? What intrigues or excites you about this programme, what may you wish to gain from it or hope to do after taking part?
- Have you taken part in similar programmes to this before, if so were they?