Future Technicians Programme

Are you the person who always fixes the TV, or helps the family with their tech problems? Are you passionate about live events and wonder how it all works behind the scenes?

In partnership with

  • Application open: Friday 9 January 2026
  • Application deadline: Wednesday 4 February 2026, 5pm
  • Interview dates: Between Wednesday 11 February 2026 and Friday 13 February 2026
  • Training dates: Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February 2026
  • Paid placements: throughout March 2026

We're excited to offer 16 training opportunities and subsequent week long PAID placements to Waltham Forest residents aged 18 to 30. During this incredible opportunity, you'll learn backstage skills including:

  • Rigging lights for live shows.
  • How to operate a sound and lighting desk.
  • Basics of looking after a professional working stage.

Training and Work Placements

The training will take place between Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February 2026. This will be followed by PAID professional placements at over 15 venues including Soho Theatre Walthamstow, Sadlers Wells and Camden People's Theatre.

Ran completed her placement at Artsdepot and now has a full time role as assistant technician at the venue:
"I have never dreamed of getting a job in what I really am passionate about. The training was intensive and full of information and the most amazing opportunity in this project was being on a work placement with Artsdepot."

We have worked with over 16 venues in London, resulting in multiple employment opportunities given to participants of the programme. This has allowed us to tackle the creative industry's lack of diversity and limited employment opportunities for young people. To find out more about what it's like to take part in our Future Tech programme, watch the video to hear from previous participants about their experience and how the programme has impacted their lives.

The training on offer includes:

  • 1 weeks FREE training training (courses like this usually range from between £500 to £1000 if booked privately) plus a 40 hours PAID professional placement in a Theatre paid at London Living Wage of £14.80ph.
  • Opportunities to network with potential employers.
Rai completed their placement at Pleasance Theatre and now has a full time role at Jacksons Lane Theatre, London:
"My work placement was fantastic! It was a great place to ease into the world of theatre tech. I learnt some basic programming for the studio and the main house and actually operated a main house show at the end. I got hired as a casual technician after my placement."

After the training you will:

Upon completing the training, you will gain newfound confidence in handling technical equipment for theatre and music events. You will have honed essential skills, empowering you not only to enhance your own understanding, but also to effectively share your knowledge, connect meaningfully with organisations actively seeking skilled theatre technicians and open doors to exciting career opportunities. Additionally, if you wish to further advance your technical skills, the option for advanced training is available, coupled with the invaluable guidance of an industry mentor. This comprehensive approach ensures that you, post-training, experience well-rounded development in both technical expertise and professional connections.

Eron completed his placement at Brixton House and is now working there as a casual technician:
"The big thing for me taking part in this programme was getting the opportunity to network. I am getting the chance to meet a lot of likeminded people on the same path."

Who this is for:

Future Technicians was created to address the lack of representation in the theatre industry; this is therefore a key factor when considering shortlisting.

  • Aged 18 to 30 years old
  • Reliabile and punctual
  • Interested in performing arts
  • Openness to learning and having fun
  • A good communicator
  • Can demonstrate how this opportunity will transfer to future career path

Desirable:

  • Some form of manual work experience.
  • Transferable skills

How we assess

We employ a blind application process when shortlisting applications. This means we do not see names or other info and mark purely on answers and eligibility criteria. When interviewing, we assess on 4 criterias:

  • Desire for the opportunity
  • Ability to take part in the programme (turn up on time etc)
  • Relevance to your ongoing career journey (this does not have to be in backstage theatre work)
  • Need

We aim to provide support and opportunities for those that may otherwise find it difficult to access.

Equal opportunities:

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups in the creative sector including women, non-binary and trans gender residents, those from global majority backgrounds, disabled individuals and LGBTQI+ community members.

Interested? Apply now!

  • Deadline for applications: Wednesday 4 February 2026, 5pm

Complete the application form to start your journey towards a rewarding career as a Theatre Technician.