BEHIND THE SCENES: the process

Can I apply?

If you are passionate about having a career working in Technical Theatre and Productions Arts but are worried about the process and cost of applying to drama school then Open Door is for you.

We can give you the support you need to approach your interviews with confidence, knowing that you have benefited from the advice and mentoring from industry professionals. Successful candidates will also have any interview fees paid for at some of the top UK drama schools.

In order to apply for Open Door’s Behind The Scenes Programme, you will need to:

• Be based in England, Scotland or Wales

• Have an annual family household income of £33,000 or less OR £40,000 or less with mitigating circumstances (caregivers, care leavers, are over 18 and receiving Disability Living Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance or a Carers Allowance)

• Be aged 17-30 (must be 18 by September 1st 2024)

• Not currently hold a degree

• Have a commitment to Technical Theatre and Production arts as a career goal

• Intend to apply for a  full time 2-3 year Technical Theatre and Productions Arts course for the 2024 academic year

• Be a UK citizen or have lived in the UK long enough to be eligible for UK student finance.

We will need to check the financial records of the selected participants, so please do not apply if you do not meet all the criteria above. 

This is a project designed for people who could not otherwise afford to audition for drama school.

When are the interviews?

Interviews will be held on line in the week commencing 24th October

Date to be confirmed when we have processed your application.

The deadline for applications is 15th October 2023

What can I expect from the interview? Do I need to prepare anything?

You will be invited to come along to an informal interview with us lasting around 15 mins. But think of it more as a chat. If you have anything you’ve done before that you’d like to show us; photos or work you’ve done on shows, or any art work or design, then you’re welcome to bring it with you, but don’t worry if you don't. You don’t have to have any experience. We just want to meet you and see that you’re interested and have a passion for this work.