Ever wondered what it’s like to work for London’s leading, independent, not-for-profit theatre?
The Old Vic is offering a one-week work experience opportunity for up to 25 participants aged 14–18 who are taking part in either our Schools Club or Take the Lead programmes. The next course will run from the 06–10 Jul 2026, 10am–4.30pm each day at The Old Vic. Over the course of one week you will:
- Discover how a producing theatre operates
- Meet industry professionals and find out more about careers in the arts
- Develop key employability skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving and public speaking
- Watch a main stage show at The Old Vic.
It gave me the confidence I need to take the next steps in my career, whilst preparing me with insight and information I didn’t have before. They showed us the different challenges within the jobs and opened up opportunities too.
You will take on a series of challenges set by different departments such as Producing, Marketing and Education & Community. Through each session you will gain an insight into how a busy producing theatre operates. At the end of the week, you will work together as a team to curate, plan and run your own panel event, putting to use all the knowledge you have gained over the course of the programme.
This programme is free to take part. You will be provided with a free lunch each day and travel bursaries are provided to all participants to cover the cost of London travel. The location will be The Old Vic, The Cut, London SE1 8NB.
Upcoming course: 06–10 Jul 2026, 10am–4.30pm each day.
Sign up to our Take Part mailing list to hear about future courses and dates.
Applications are currently closed. To be the first to hear when applications reopen, please sign up to our Take Part mailing list
If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact Alice and Becky at work.experience@oldvictheatre.com
- This programme is open to young people aged 14–18 who are taking part in either our Schools Club or Take the Lead programmes
- This programme focusses on non-performance roles, so applicants must have an interest in a range of different roles within theatre
- No previous experience of theatre is necessary.
- This programme aims to be fully accessible. We will discuss any access requirements you may have before the project begins and will ensure appropriate support is in place
- We are committed to working with disabled and neurodivergent young people
- We can also adapt the course content to suit your learning style
- We can bring in additional staff support if you require this
- The programme will take place at The Old Vic. Please let us know if you require step-free access.
If you have any questions, please contact work.experience@oldvictheatre.com
Please sign up to our schools mailing list to hear more about workshops, skills and employment programmes, talent development and short courses for your students.
Schools Club is generously supported by Tina Alexandrou, The Broughton Family Charitable Trust, Chapman Charitable Trust, Kate Downey and Rob Knox, The Hearn Foundation and Ric Lewis & The Black Heart Foundation
Take the Lead Principal Partner Royal Bank of Canada. In association with CVC Foundation. Generously supported by John Lyon’s Charity, The Portal Trust and The HW Sanderson Art in Industry Fund
