We are looking for two 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. The Design Assistants will have the opportunity to support and assist established designers whilst engaging with the various in-house departments of the National Theatre.
Over a 12-month period, the Design Assistants will work across all National Theatre productions and learn how designers interact and communicate with 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:
- Competence in Photoshop, AutoCAD and model making
- A degree or other qualification in theatre design/scenography
- Designed either set and/or costume on productions inside and outside of college
- An ability to clearly communicate design ideas and solve design problems
- Confidence in their ability to deal with challenging situations in a professional manner
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 and guided tours, subject to availability and policy
- 25 days annual leave increasing up to 32 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Development Programmes via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role
- Hybrid and flexible working, subject to agreement and policy
- Access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme partnership
- Enhanced sick pay
- Family Friendly policies including Family leave and Support leave
- Family-friendly employer – we are a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
- Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST
- Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy
- On-site staff canteen and social facilities
- On-site occupational health support
- In-house mental health and wellbeing advisors providing workplace counselling and support
- Wellbeing programme of events, including mental health awareness, financial wellbeing, skills sharing and opportunities to get active
- Exclusive staff talks to hear more about NT productions, past and present, from leading practitioners
- Discounted access to National Theatre at Home
- Volunteer leave – one paid day per year to volunteer for your chosen charity
- Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafés, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to gyms), on and around the South Bank
- Access to retailer discounted gift cards and a cash-back-on-spending card
Please note
The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Sunday 30th March 2025 at 11:59pm.
We are committed to treating all our employees with dignity and respect. We support our diverse workforce to thrive in an inclusive and supportive working environment that is driven by our organisational values, mission and vision.
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 about the recruitment process, you can email recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk or call us on 02074523834.