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Image: Old Vic Backstage team working behind the scenes

OV Backstage

Have you ever wanted to work backstage at The Old Vic?

OV Backstage offers paid placements on an Old Vic production to six 18–25 year olds from underrepresented backgrounds in the arts.

Participants shadow an industry professional across 15 paid sessions and get hands-on experience in one of the following disciplines:

  • Costume
  • Production Management
  • Set
  • Sound
  • Stage Management

The project culminates with a networking session to help participants take the next steps in their careers.

Each participant will receive a fee for taking part in the programme. Additional support for travel costs is available if required.

I have learnt so much and definitely noticed a shift in confidence within myself, not just in relation to my role. Having support like this definitely does wonders.
OV Backstage Participant 2022
Programme

The programme will include:

  • Two induction days joined by Old Vic staff
  • On-the-job practical learning within one chosen discipline, with support from Old Vic staff
  • 15 paid shifts at £110 per day
  • Work experience on a professional production at The Old Vic
  • Opportunities to obtain health and safety training certificates
  • Mentorship from a professional within their discipline who will provide 1:1 guidance throughout the placement
  • Support and guidance from the OV Backstage Project Manager and Participation Manager
  • A follow-up networking event after the project ends
  • Resources to support with next steps including steel-capped boots and a hard hat
  • Support with travel costs for the duration of the project if required
  • The opportunity to join The Old Vic’s alumni network
How to apply

Applications are now closed.

Eligibility
  • This programme has been set up to work with young people who are currently underrepresented in backstage roles such as people from the global majority, women, those from working class backgrounds, neurodiverse people and disabled people
  • You must be aged 18–25
  • You must be based in London, or within the surrounding areas. Placements will involve evening work.
  • You must be interested in developing a career in your chosen discipline
  • This programme is for those at the start or early on in their careers. You must have had some prior experience, perhaps at school or a short course, but not undertaken formal training or a university degree in your chosen discipline
  • We are particularly keen to hear from people who have had limited or no access to arts opportunities in the past and are committed to identifying and resolving barriers which may ordinarily exclude young people from accessing theatre
Accessibility
  • We are committed to working with young people who have a disability or identify as neuro-diverse (for example: dyslexia, ADHD, autism) and will make adjustments for this
  • If you have a different learning style we can also change the course content to suit you
  • We can bring in additional staff support if you would require this
  • Shifts take place at The Old Vic where it is possible to undertake work with step-free access
Contact

If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please get in touch – ovbackstage@oldvictheatre.com.

DOWNLOAD THE OV BACKSTAGE EVALUATION 2021–22DOWNLOAD THE OV BACKSTAGE EVALUATION 2021–22
Previews Partner
Productions Partner
The Old Vic gratefully acknowledges support through the Culture Recovery Fund from Arts Council England
Principal Partner

Find us

The Old Vic, The Cut,London SE1 8NB

Contact us

box.office@oldvictheatre.com 0344 871 7628

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The Old Vic Theatre Trust 2000 is a registered charity no. 1072590. Limited company registration no. 3667822. Registered offices: 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB
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