BEHIND THE SCENES INITIATIVE

Behind The Scenes Initiative

ZooNation’s Behind The Scenes Initiative is a paid placement opportunity aiming to support Black and Global Majority talent in creative and backstage theatre roles, who are currently underrepresented in the sector.

The initiative aims to diversify and support people from Black and Global Majority backgrounds in a number of roles including stage management, theatre technicians, lighting design, sound design, stage design, costume design, music composition, theatre and event production, and company management.

To make this experience as valuable and authentic as possible, ZooNation run the scheme alongside our current production schedules. We aim to support at least one trainee per ZooNation production across a variety of production departments, with a focus on a different department each time.

To be eligible to apply for this placement, you must be*:

  • Aged 18 – 25
  • Have some experience or transferrable skills in the relevant scheme being offered. This includes amateur or school projects, but no formal qualification in this area (a degree course)
  • Be from the Global Majority. In reference to our Black Lives Matter Pledge, we particularly encourage applications from those of African or Caribbean heritage.

Learn

Applications for 2025 are now open!

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be aged 18–25

  • Have some experience or transferrable skills in costume, fashion, or art (through school, personal projects, or similar). You do not need a formal qualification or degree in this area

  • Be available for the placement period (see key dates below). We’ll confirm exact dates with the selected applicant, but good general availability across the timeframe is essential

  • Be from the Global Majority. In line with our [Black Lives Matter Pledge], we especially encourage applications from those of African or Caribbean heritage.

  • Interview: Thursday 31st July (30-minute Zoom meeting, afternoon)

  • Placement: 15 sessions scheduled between August and December, including:

    • Rehearsal weeks: 13th Oct – 15th Nov (East London)

    • Production week: 17th – 27th Nov

    • Previews: 26th Nov – 3rd Dec  

Please note: From production week onwards, hours may include later starts and finishes to reflect industry working patterns.

Please send either:

  • A short letter (max 1 A4 page) OR

  • A 1-minute video or audio submission

In your application, tell us:

  • Why you’re interested in this programme

  • Any relevant experience or transferrable skills you have

Selected applicants will be invited to a Zoom chat with members of our team. This is a chance to get to know you better and explain the role in more detail. After the conversation, one applicant will be invited to join the programme.

Application deadline: Thursday 25th July at 5:00 PM