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Birmingham Rep in Centenary Square, Birmingham
An image showing 17 young people taking part in the Young Rep's 2022 work experience week. They are standing in front of 6 paintings and are holding a 'Young Rep' sign.
Education

Work Experience 2026

Our week long work experience is aimed at supporting Year 9, 10 and 11’s who are considering a career in the Arts and want to have a better understanding of what working in a theatre might be like.

I am not normally talkative but somehow I found myself ACTING and [the facilitator] believed in me, I somehow found a way to do it louder than I expected. [I learnt] The behind the scenes of working in theatre and the process on how we get such amazing performances.”
Previous Work Experience participant

Past Productions

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Two young actors sit on the floor, one actor offers a box of tissues to the other actor who seems to be upset.
Two young actors sit at a table, they appear to be arguing as one person is pointing at the other.
Three young actors sit together at a table, there is a laptop in the centre of the table. They are mid conversation.
Two participants stand on a dark stage, clapping their hands.

Directing, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Stage Management, and Acting by Previous Work Experience Participants.

The Work Experience Week will include:
  • Opportunities to meet theatre professionals, practitioners and creatives within the industry
  • Gain insight into how a successful producing theatre works behind the scenes
  • Experience the broad range of careers theatre has to offer
  • A performance opportunity in The Door, which will include onstage and back stage roles
How to apply

Please fill in the following Google form to apply

the rep Work Experience 2026 form

Dates: Mon 15 – Fri 19 Jun 2026

The Rep’s work experience programme is an intensive one-week schedule that is designed for students in Years 9, 10 and 11. This opportunity is ideal for those considering a career in the Arts and want a clearer understanding of what working in a theatre entails.

Throughout the week, students will:

  • Meet theatre professionals, practitioners and creatives to learn directly from people currently working within the industry.
  • Gain a behind-the-scenes insight into how a one of the largest producing theatres operates.
  • Explore the wide range of careers that the theatre world has to offer, both onstage and offstage.
  • Take part in a performance opportunity in The Door, specialising in either Directing, Stage Management, Sound, Lighting or Acting

This programme offers a supportive, hands-on introduction to the diverse and exciting world of theatre.

A small group of young people in silhouette look out into the House auditorium at the Rep.
Open Theatre

In partnership with The Rep, Open Theatre is offering a week of Work Experience in April 2026. Open Theatre’s Work Experience week is for young people in Year 11-13 with learning disabilities and/or autism who have an interest in working in the Arts and enjoy Drama.

During the week, young people will experience an introduction to different job roles in a regional theatre setting, as well as experiencing Open Theatre’s non-verbal physical theatre practice. They will also be supported to work towards achieving an Arts Award qualification. This week will be a brilliant opportunity to explore what it is like to work within the Arts sector and gain more understanding of future career pathways.

The work experience week will run from Mon 27 Apr until Fri 1 May 2026. If you are interested in taking part, please email workexperience@opentheatre.co.uk to receive an application form. Deadline for applications is Fri 13 Feb 2026