The Octagon Theatre

The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue, hold two work experience weeks each year, with one programme open to Yr10 students (ages 14-15) and the second programme open to Yr12 students (ages 16 - 17). Both programmes run for one week for up to 15 participants, Monday to Friday from 10am – 4:30pm each day at Westlands Entertainment Venue.

Dates for 2024:
Mon 8th - Fri 12th  April for Year 12 students
Mon 22th - Fri 26 July for Year 10 students

Over the course of the week you will:

• Discover how a receiving theatre operates, from programming to marketing to staging the show.
• Learn about producing events and activities.
• Meet industry professionals and the people behind the scenes that make it all happen.
• Find out more about careers in the arts and theatre.
• Develop key employability skills: teamwork, communication, problem-solving and public speaking.

The work experience programme aims to offer an overview of all aspects of the operation of both our venues (The Octagon and Westlands). You can expect to spend time with our Arts Engagement & Outreach, Programming, Box Office, Front of House, Marketing, Finance, Events and Technical teams. Over the week participants will take part in a series of challenges as set by each department, working together as a team, and at the end of the week will showcase what they have learned.

This programme is free to take part in and fully accessible. For info on eligibility and how to apply please see below.

Please note: Applications for the Octagon & Westlands Work Experience programmes are currently closed and will reopen in early 2024. 

Eligibility:

Our programmes are open to students in Year 10 or Year 12 during the 2023/24 academic year.

We are open to applications from young people living in the South West, local to the Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue.

Applicants must show an interest in learning about the different roles in theatre and arts industry. Please note the programme will focus on non-performing roles within the theatre.

No previous experience of theatre is necessary and you do not need to have performed in or attended shows at the Octagon or Westlands previously. We are keen to hear from people who have had limited or no access to the theatre in the past.

How to Apply:

Applications for the Octagon & Westlands Work Experience programmes will open on 3 January and close on 16 February 2024. To register your interest in our work experience programmes please complete the online expression of interest form, we will then be in touch once applications for our work experience programmes reopen. Alternatively keep an eye on our social media and website - we will make announcements here to notify when applications are open for our work experience programme.

For further information including how to apply please submit an Expression of Interest.

If you have any questions or queries about the work experience programme or problems accessing the online form please contact our Arts Engagement & Outreach Officer Nick White via nick.white@somerset.gov.uk or 01395 462514.