Development Directory

Got a script in its early stages? Apply to have your piece workshopped with a team of talented creatives, who’ll help you refine and develop it in a supportive environment.

The Royal Court has an unwavering commitment to writers. They have a variety of ways you can get involved, like attending free events and writer resources.

Soho Theatre’s Writers’ Lab programme is an entry-level course designed to support new writers in creating their first play over the course of 9 months.

Criterion New Writing, free of charge to participants, has grown from strength to strength. Since 2015, when the programme was launched, over 100 playwrights have completed the course with a number of showcased plays now in commercial development.

The Theatre503 Writers’ Programme is a year round programme of writer and creative development for early career playwrights, as well anyone wanting to start writing.

Bush Theatre’s Writers’ Group is in its ninth year and is an opportunity for the Bush to develop relationships with new playwrights who are at early stages in their careers.

New Writing North, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, leads the development of creative writing and reading in the North of England.

Writing West Midlands now provides a wide range of services for writers and readers, and is now the literature development agency for the region.

Playspace allows a different artist or team access to space at Birmingham Hippodrome to explore an idea with no pressure to create a piece of work.

The North Wall Arts Centre ArtsLab offers early-career and established artists a place to experiment with ideas and create new work

TAG is the largest membership organisation offering on-going professional development for actors in the UK and the only one that offers an ever evolving collection of workshops & services that is genuinely actor led.

Opportunities for artists to be included in their programming and community opportunities

Rehearsal space for hire, drop in sessions and a residency programme

Monthly talks, workshops and networking opportunities for young cultural professionals in and around London.

The Creators Program is a space for directors, theatre makers, multi-disciplinary artists and producers. Through opportunities such as workshops, events, assistantships and chances to make work, it aims to equip artists for the reality of today and the future.

Offers a new, modern, and innovative approach to actor training.

A website to help you find all the information and opportunities you need to pursue a successful career in theatre.

A UK-wide free training programme for ages 18–30. Developing a broad range of theatre making skills from writing and devising to directing and producing you will then have the chance to showcase your work in a Scratch Night at a professional theatre venue.

The charity that supports theatre producers, through educational programmes and investment schemes.

Led by the National Theatre’s Young People’s Programme, and a host of cultural producers and mentors from across the creative industries, you will discover how exciting and versatile the role of the producer is.

The programme offers a group of 16–25 year olds the opportunity to programme events and workshops in response to main house productions, as well as develop key producing skills related to project pitching, event management, and marketing.

A free training opportunity for Coventry-based 16-22 year olds to find out more about making arts events happen delivered by Warwick Arts Centre and China Plate.

An opening up of the process of directors and their dramaturgical approach with writers and scripts, facilitated by directors who have all recently worked at the Royal Court.

The Creators Program is a space for directors, theatre makers, multi-disciplinary artists and producers.

The UK’s foremost programme of paid professional development for theatre makers and directors.

TheatreCraft is the UK’s largest free careers event for anyone aged 16-30 seeking off-stage roles in theatre.

Offer a series of affordable tech & design training workshops.

The ABTT is the number one source for technical resources for our Industry.

The professional association for designers working in live performance across a variety of genres and scales both nationally and internationally.

16-30 year olds can get exclusive access to FREE opportunities to connect with top industry professionals, gain insider knowledge, and immerse yourself in the magic of theatre!

Front Line gives 16–25 year olds the opportunity to discover more about careers in theatre and develop key transferable skills through paid placements with their Front Of House team.

Open Door is an organisation that helps talented individuals who lack the resources and financial means to secure a place at one of the UK’s leading drama schools, enabling them to pursue a career in television, theatre and film.

Young Lyric Membership is for young people aged 0-25 who live in one of the 10 West London Boroughs. Members will be able to take part in a range of classes and will receive regular updates on auditions and professional training opportunities throughout the year.

A year-round programme of workshops and courses in music, media, performing arts and professional development for 11-30 year olds.

Supporting actors and stage managers experiencing hardship owing to illness, injury or old age.

An independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.

A hub for sexual violence support services in London.

Helpline and webchat services can be used by survivors who would like to access support anonymously.

Provides a range of counselling, therapeutic and support services working with women, men and children who are victims/survivors of rape, sexual violence and sexual abuse.

Support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence

Offers a range of social, emotional and support services to LGBT communities

Theatre Queers have complied a list of mental health services, focussing on those that support LGBTQ+ people.

Home of the largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK

Useful information for anyone supporting a survivor of sexual violence or abuse.

Free or low-cost counselling services

Mental health charity for the arts

Services for union members.

Advice for if you are being bullied, harassed or treated unfairly at work.

Provides therapy and specialist support services to people with learning disabilities, autism or both who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

For d/Deaf people and support in BSL

List of support services compiled by Mind