OV Backstage

The programme will include:

• Work experience on a professional production at The Old Vic
• 15 paid shifts at £125 per day
• Induction days with Old Vic staff
• On-the-job practical learning within one chosen discipline, with support from Old Vic staff
• A follow-up networking event after the project ends
• Support with travel costs for the duration of the project if required
• The opportunity to join the Emerging Theatre Professionals (ETP) network for continued connection to The Old Vic, ticket offers, skills masterclasses and networking opportunities.

Costume and Wardrobe

Shadow our in-house Wardrobe team and meet the costume designer and costume supervisor. 

A look at the whole costume process, from design and creation through to the day-to-day dressing and maintenance of costumes throughout the production. 

This might include supporting with fittings and alterations, storage, dressing, shopping and costume administration.  

Lighting

Shadow our in-house Lighting team and meet the lighting designer. 

A look at the whole lighting process from design concept and creation through to how this is practically achieved, programmed and operated during the production.  

This might include supporting with rigging and focussing of the lights, shadowing the lighting programmer, maintenance and a look at how the lighting designer and in-house team turn designs into reality for the production. 

Set and Staging

Shadow our in-house Stage team and meet the set designer.  

An opportunity to see how set and props are designed, constructed and maintained over a production, as well as how the theatre is transformed between one production and the next. 

This might include helping with the ‘Get Out’, where the previous production is removed from the theatre, or the ‘Get In’ of the new production, as well as helping to make, source and maintain the set, props and stage systems.  

Sound

Shadow our in-house Sound team and meet the sound designer.  

A look at the whole sound process from design and creation through to how this is practically achieved, programmed and operated during the production.  

This might include supporting with the sound system tuning, rigging and maintenance, and a look at how the sound designer and in-house team turn the designs into reality for the production.

Stage Management

Shadow the Stage Management team from rehearsals through to Press Night. 

A look at how the team coordinate the technical, practical and pastoral aspects of a production to ensure smooth running of the show. Find out about the different roles company stage managers, deputy stage managers and assistant stage managers take on in a production.  

This might include attending rehearsals, supporting with setting props, production administration and shadowing the show being called.  

Aside from discipline specific opportunities, all participants will learn how the different backstage departments work together to bring a production to The Old Vic stage.

Everyone will also have the opportunity to:

• Meet a variety of backstage professionals including our in-house technical team, the production creative team and our wider freelance teams
• Discuss how the Theatre Green Book is integrated into the production along with all elements of environmental sustainability
• Learn in detail about the variety of backstage roles available through our OV Backstage resource pack
• Attend production meetings
• Attend technical rehearsals and tech notes
• Attend Press Night
• Receive one-to-one tailored advice on next steps after the programme.

OV Backstage will take place from Tue 14 Jul–Tue 18 Aug 2026 at The Old Vic.

Individual schedules will vary depending on the chosen discipline. We will work with individuals to agree their schedule and book shifts as far in advance as possible.  

As production schedules are liable to change, we require applicants to confirm they have good availability during the programme dates (e.g. no long holidays booked or big conflicting commitments). This is to ensure you are available for any last-minute activity that would be interesting and beneficial to your development. 

Induction workshops: Tue 14–Fri 17 Jul, 10am–6pm

Shifts:

• Shifts will take place between Fri 17 Jul–Mon 17 Aug and may start as early as 8am and finish as late as 10pm
• Participants will need to have good availability during this time with a particular focus on Sat 18–Tue 28 Jul when technical rehearsals take place.

Next Steps workshop: Tue 18 Aug, 10am–5pm

OV Backstage has been set up to specifically work with people who are currently underrepresented in backstage roles. This includes people from the global majority, women, those from working class backgrounds, care experienced people, neurodivergent people and disabled people.

We are particularly keen to hear from people who have had limited or no access to arts opportunities in the past and we are committed to identifying and resolving barriers which may ordinarily exclude young people from accessing theatre.

This programme is for those at the start or early on in their careers who can demonstrate a passion for theatre and their chosen discipline. You must have some transferable skills or prior experience. This could be gained from school, a short course, volunteering or your own self-led learning. We will not accept applications from anyone with an established theatre career or who has undertaken paid work in their discipline.

Eligibility

• You must be aged 18–30
• You must have attended state school when aged 11–16
• You must be based in London, or within the surrounding areas — placements will involve late evening work
• You must belong to one of the underrepresented groups outlined above
• You must be interested in developing a career in your chosen discipline
• You must not have undertaken formal training or a university degree in your chosen discipline. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please email ovbackstage@oldvictheatre.com
• You must not be currently studying for any degree and must not hold above a bachelor’s degree (e.g. Master’s or PhD).

Applications to take part in OV Backstage are currently closed.

Interviews

We will invite shortlisted applicants to a short online interview to discuss more about the programme.

Interview dates:

• Costume and wardrobe: Mon 15–Tue 16 Jun
• Lighting: Wed 03 Jun
• Set and staging: Tue 09–Wed 10 Jun
• Sound: Wed 03–Thu 04 Jun
• Stage Management: Thu 11–Fri 12 Jun.

If you require any support with the application process or any part of it is inaccessible to you, please get in touch with us at ovbackstage@oldvictheatre.com or on 020 3954 3155.

• We are committed to working alongside disabled and neurodivergent people (including those who experience dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent ways of thinking). We can provide adjustments at all stages of the application process and throughout the programme.
• 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.
• If you have any questions about access please do not hesitate to contact us at ovbackstage@oldvictheatre.com or on 020 3954 3155

If you have any questions about the OV Backstage programme, the application process or want to discuss whether this is the right opportunity for you please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can email us at ovbackstage@oldvictheatre.com or call us on 020 3954 3155

For more information on the OV Backstage disciplines and a huge variety of theatre careers please visit our digital learning platform The Hub