The North Wall exists to provide opportunities for artists, young people and the general public to make and experience art of the highest quality. We have a focus on nurturing talent in young and emerging artists, and removing the barriers that prevent them from achieving meaningful careers in the arts.
We are delighted to be running an open access (free/ fully funded) technical theatre programme for 14 – 18 year olds, with the aim to open up the world of technical theatre to young people and encourage them to consider trying other backstage roles in the theatre industry. This is a vital age for young people before deciding on their next steps after school, and they may not have considered a career or development opportunities within technical theatre before this programme.
Participants in the technical theatre programme will get the chance to work with The North Wall technical and participation teams from February – April 2026, in the build up to the Connections Festival (24 – 26 April), as well as deliver technical support for a number of productions across the Connections Festival weekend.
What is Connections?
Connections is the National Theatre‘s annual, nationwide youth theatre festival taking place at venues across the country. It’s a unique celebration of young people, theatre-making and the importance of access to the arts.
Each year, the National Theatre commissions a selection of new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow. All Connections commissions are developed with input from young people.
In 2026, The North Wall will be staging 8 performances by young companies across the festival weekend.
What’s involved?
- Tuesday 24 Feb 17:00-17:45 | Attending an ‘Intro to the project’ online meeting
- Saturday 7 March 13:30-17:00 | Attending an in-person ‘Stage Management & Technical Theatre’ course (Workshop Day 1) at The North Wall Arts Centre *
- Sunday 19 April 10:00–16:00 | Attending a ‘Lights, Sound & Top Tips: Technical Theatre’ course (Workshop Day 2) at The North Wall Arts Centre *
- Friday 24 April – Sunday 26 April 8:30 – 20:30 | Leading on a National Theatre Connections show, and assisting on another, over the Festival Weekend at The North Wall Arts Centre – (4-8 hours / day max) *
- Attending Partner Company Rehearsals – Various Locations (optional)*
- Attending Partner Company Home Performances – Various Locations (optional)*
- Gaining technical theatre skills.
- Gaining confidence in your role in the rehearsal room and in a professional theatre space.
- Completing a portfolio of work | Submission date: Monday 4th May
*travel expenses available
Find our more here: NT Technical Programme 2026
How To Apply
To apply, complete this application form by Friday 13 February 2026
The North Wall celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion, and is committed to equality of opportunity for everyone in our community, regardless of class, age, disability, gender, race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are under-represented in the cultural sector.
