We are looking for two Trainee Production Design Assistants to join the National Theatre Production Team on a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.
The role is an opportunity for designers who have recently graduated or are in the early stages of their careers to understand the process of creating and realising designs for large scale and complex shows by supporting and assisting established designers while they work at the National Theatre.
Over a 12-month period they will work over between two and five productions with different designers and have learnt how those designers must interact and communicate with all the technical departments in the building to achieve their designs.
One of these positions is supported by the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund. Maria Björnson was an award-winning set and costume designer for theatre, ballet and opera. She worked for the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Opera, the Royal Ballet, Glyndebourne Opera, English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera, in the West End and on Broadway. Please note this position will start on 17th June 2024.
The other trainee position is supported by the Max Rayne Design Bursary. Max Rayne was once chairman of the National Theatre as well as a successful philanthropist who saw the importance of the arts and sought to both support and champion the performing arts. His guidance and stewardship helped enable to the National Theatre to gain its worldwide reputation. Please note this position will start on 14th October 2024.
PLEASE NOTE: In your Cover Letter, please confirm which of the two bursaries you wish to apply for. If you do not state which position you are interested in within your Cover Letter, then we will assume you are interested in either.
The successful candidate will have the following:
A degree or other qualification in theatre design/scenography.
Designed either set and/or costume on productions inside and outside of college.
A portfolio of their own design work.
Competence in Photoshop, AutoCAD and model making.
Demonstrate an understanding of the production process.
If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
Download the Job Description here.
Working with us will give you…
Complimentary staff tickets for shows, subject to availability and policy.
Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafes, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to local childcare providers & gyms on and around the South Bank)
Access to interest-free season ticket loan and Cyclescheme partnership
Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST
Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy
Generous sick pay
Family-friendly employer with supporting policies
Hybrid and flexible working, subject to agreement and policy
Training and Development Programme via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role.
On-site Occupational Health and welfare support
Free-to-access Employee Assistance Programme, enabling counselling and mental wellbeing support, financial and legal advice, and advice on caring responsibilities.
On-site staff canteen and bar
Staff networks including Amplified: The Ethnically Diverse Network; Disability Staff Network; LGBTQ+ Network; Parents and Parents & Carers Network
The NT is also a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
Please note
The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Monday 13th May 2024 at 12 noon.
We support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies.
If you would like to speak to someone about any adjustments or have any questions you can email recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk and we will be in touch with you to make the necessary arrangements.
People Department 2024