Mansfield Palace Theatre

Mansfield Palace Theatre offer a diverse range of educational and creative programmes for young people and we are currently recruiting for new members of our Technical Academy which teaches technical theatre skills. 

We’re offering hands-on training in theatre production for young people, giving them experience in lighting and sound, plus stage design and management. It’s a welcoming group with no experience necessary and we will provide all the kit and support.

Christopher Neil, Learning and Aspiration Manager, tells us:

“Thanks to support from Arts Council funding, the Technical Academy was set up last year and our first cohort of young people are progressing well through the scheme, attending weekly sessions that give them a glimpse behind the scenes of a working theatre while learning valuable life skills and gaining experience in a workplace. This opportunity is perfect for practical, hands-on young people looking to work with industry professionals to learn technical theatre skills”.

The theatre’s Technical Manager Emm Ledsam, and her team, are running free introductory sessions for new recruits in February half term from Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 from 10am to 2.30pm. You need to attend all three sessions and places are limited so don’t delay if you wish to join in the fun! 

Following these introductory sessions, you can become a member of the Young Technical Company who meet once a week. There is a small cost of just £5 per week to attend at this stage. The Young Technical Company will be putting their skills into practice and developing them on a range of projects including Youth Theatre performances, community theatre and arts projects and technical theatre installation pieces. The Young Technical Company will also have the opportunity to observe professional production work and gain access to work experience within the technical team.

Harry has been attending the Technical Academy since last year and says:

“I really enjoy attending the Technical Academy at Mansfield Palace Theatre. It's an amazing way to learn and gain hands on experience that I can use throughout my career. The Technical Academy is a creative and friendly environment making every session exciting, fun and rewarding."

Harry is now working as a casual technician for Derby Live and has also just joined our books in the same role. Are you our next Harry? If you or someone you know would like to find out more or get involved, please contact Christopher on cneil@mansfield.gov.uk or 01623 463375.