A Guide to Finding Jobs & Training Opportunities

The world of theatre and creative producing is ever evolving, and as the landscape changes, so too do the opportunities available. If you’re a theatre producer or creative producer looking to level up in your career; whether through job opportunities or training and development; it’s crucial to know where to look.

One platform that has become indispensable for producers recently is LinkedIn.

If you haven’t yet established a presence there, now is the time to do so. LinkedIn is no longer just a platform for corporate professionals; it’s a thriving community for creative professionals, including theatre and event producers. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile and actively participating can open doors to countless opportunities and connections.

Why LinkedIn?

• Networking: LinkedIn allows you to connect with industry professionals, organisations, and companies. As a producer, networking is key, and LinkedIn makes it easy to engage with fellow producers, directors, actors, and other creatives.
• Job Listings: Many job openings, especially freelance and contract work, are posted on LinkedIn. Theatre companies, arts organisations, and even event producers often share job postings and opportunities exclusively on the platform.
• Personal Branding: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for showcasing your experience, skills, and portfolio. Building a professional profile is a great way to highlight your work as a producer, share your creative projects, and engage with others in the industry.

Other key resources for producers

While LinkedIn is crucial, it’s also a good idea to engage with several other organisations and resources that cater to the theatre and creative industries. Below are some selected resource libraries and platforms that can provide opportunities for job hunting, training, and development:

Producer Gathering is a platform dedicated to supporting independent producers in the arts sector by offering a wealth of resources and opportunities for professional development. Their resources section includes:

• Templates & Documentation: Access budget templates, successful funding bids, and publications on the art of producing, such as Getting It Out There by Venues North.
• Texts & Blogs: Explore writings compiled by producers across the UK, providing broader contextualisation of working practices, including how to guides on digital broadcasting, Covid-19 safety measures, and access & disability.
• External Resources: Discover links to other initiatives and organisations, such as The Uncultured and Nuu Theatre, offering additional support and information.

By engaging with these resources, theatre and creative producers can enhance their skills, stay informed about industry best practices, and connect with a community of like-minded professionals.

Artsadmin Resources Directory is a curated collection of tools and information designed to support artists, including theatre and creative producers, in their professional development. This directory offers a range of resources to assist with various aspects of an artistic career:

• Advisors, Networks & Professional Development: Connect with organisations that provide guidance, networking opportunities, and professional growth tailored to contemporary performance practices.
• E-lists: Access listings of opportunities, news, and events relevant to artists in contemporary performance.
• Funding Bodies: Identify potential funding sources to support your projects and initiatives.
• Specific Support Services: including Creative Support sessions, which provide free one-to-one support for artists, and Radar – a series of free sessions, talks, and events focused on building a sustainable practice.

These resources collectively serve as a valuable starting point for theatre and creative producers seeking job opportunities, training, and development within the arts sector.

Unlimited Resources Directory offers a wealth of tools and guidance tailored for theatre and creative producers, particularly those focusing on inclusive practices and supporting disabled artists. Key resources include:

• Accessible Marketing Guide: Strategies to enhance the accessibility of your marketing efforts, ensuring inclusivity in audience engagement.
• Toolkit for Artists and Freelancers: Templates and advice to navigate situations where you’re asked to work without compensation, promoting fair practices in the arts sector.
• Cards for Inclusion: An interactive tool designed to help identify and address barriers to accessibility in various artistic contexts.

These resources are invaluable for producers aiming to foster equitable and accessible environments in their projects and organisations.

Disability Arts Online (DAO) is a UK-based charitable arts organisation led by disabled individuals, dedicated to serving artists and audiences who encounter disabling barriers, thereby fostering social change:

• Online Magazine: DAO publishes a diverse range of content, including interviews, reviews, opinion pieces, and showcases, providing a platform for discussions on arts and culture from a disability perspective.
• Artist Development Programmes: Offer various initiatives to support disabled creatives, such as mentoring schemes, commissioning opportunities, and guidance on navigating funding processes like Access to Work.
• Community Engagement: DAO maintains a vibrant community section featuring artist perspectives, project blogs, and social commentary, encouraging disabled artists to share their experiences and artistic practices.
• Event Listings: Provides information on accessible performances and cultural events, helping users stay informed about upcoming activities within the disability arts sector.
• Resources & Guidance: DAO offers a range of tools, guides, and webinars on topics such as accessibility, inclusion, and professional development, supporting both artists and organisations in the cultural sector.

Through these offerings, Disability Arts Online plays a pivotal role in championing disability arts and culture, nurturing creativity, and facilitating connections within the community.

Independent Theatre Council (ITC) offers a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities tailored for theatre producers. These programmes are designed to equip industry professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to successfully manage performing arts companies:

• Specialised Courses: ITC provides one-day and half-day courses covering critical areas such as project management, tour booking, copyright, contracts, and financial management. These sessions are led by experienced professionals and are designed to address the specific challenges faced by theatre producers.
• In-House Training: For organisations seeking tailored learning experiences, ITC offers in-house training sessions. These are customised to meet the unique needs of the company, ensuring that the training aligns with specific objectives and operational contexts.
• Membership Benefits: Independent producers can join ITC at an affordable rate, gaining access to on-the-job advice and support. Membership includes benefits such as bespoke guidance on people management, contracts, touring, and finance.
• Professional Development Opportunities: ITC regularly updates its members about upcoming training and events, providing platforms for continuous learning and professional growth. Members are also encouraged to share relevant development opportunities, fostering a collaborative and informed community.

By offering these targeted training and development programmes, ITC plays a pivotal role in nurturing competent and resilient theatre producers, thereby contributing to the sustainability and growth of the independent arts sector in the UK.

UK Theatre is a leading organisation supporting theatre professionals across the UK, offering a range of resources and opportunities tailored for theatre and creative producers. Key offerings include:

• Resources & Toolkits: Access comprehensive guidance on topics such as producing, touring, grants, funding, and diversity and inclusion, aiding in professional development and project management.
• Training & Events: Participate in training courses, conferences, and events designed to enhance skills and facilitate networking within the theatre sector.
• Industry Job Vacancies: Explore a regularly updated list of job opportunities across various roles in theatre production and management.
• Producing, Presenting & Touring Handbook: Utilize this detailed guide to navigate the complexities of producing and touring, offering best practices and industry standards.

Engaging with UK Theatre provides valuable support and resources for theatre and creative producers seeking to advance their careers and projects.

UK Theatre Producers Facebook Group is a valuable resource for theatre and creative producers seeking job opportunities, funding advice, industry connections, and professional development.

• Members regularly share job postings, training opportunities, funding tips, and production insights, making it a great platform for networking and staying informed.
• Serves as a supportive space to ask questions, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow producers across the UK.

Cultural Central is an organisation dedicated to supporting and advancing the cultural sector in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region. It offers a range of programmes and initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration, leadership, and inclusivity within the arts and culture community:

• Leadership Development: Through the Collective programme, Culture Central collaborates with people make it work to provide leadership training for individuals traditionally excluded from senior roles in the cultural sector.
• Mentoring Opportunities: The Grow mentoring scheme connects artists, creatives, curators, arts administrators, and cultural entrepreneurs across the West Midlands with experienced mentors.
• Advocacy & Networking: Culture Central serves as a collective voice for the cultural sector, advocating for high-quality, varied, and sustainable cultural offerings.
• Research & Thought Leadership: The organisation supports cultural change, recovery, resilience, and innovation through research and cross-sector collaborations.
• Volunteering & Community Engagement: In partnership with local organisations, Culture Central delivers regional and place-based volunteering programmes.
• Culture Central Newsletter: This fortnightly e-newsletter reaches over 2,000 arts and culture professionals across the West Midlands. It features news, job listings, open calls, and commissions, providing valuable insights and opportunities for theatre and creative producers.

By convening, challenging, and connecting various stakeholders, Culture Central plays a pivotal role in creating opportunities through culture for the people and places of the West Midlands.

In Good Company (IGC) is a flagship professional development programme dedicated to supporting theatre makers and companies in the Midlands, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to nurture creative talent and facilitate business growth within the performing arts sector.

• Mentorship & Business Support: IGC provides tailored mentorship programmes, offering guidance on artistic development and business strategies to help theatre practitioners navigate the complexities of the industry.
• Performance Opportunities: The programme creates high-profile platforms for artists to showcase their work, including festivals like Departure Lounge, which serves as a launchpad for new and innovative performances.
• Commissions & Funding: IGC actively invests in artists by offering commissions, seed funding, and performance fees.
• Networking & Collaboration: By fostering partnerships among leading producing theatres, vibrant arts centres, and independent artists, IGC cultivates a collaborative environment that enhances communication and co-creation within the regional arts community.
• Resources: Artists have access to a wealth of resources, including workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one consultations, all aimed at equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in the creative industry.

Through these initiatives, In Good Company plays a pivotal role in transforming the Midlands’ artistic landscape, ensuring that theatre makers receive the support and opportunities needed to thrive.

Arts Professional is a leading UK-based journal offering in-depth coverage of the arts sector, including theatre, visual arts, dance, and classical music. It serves as a vital resource for theatre and creative producers by providing:

• Industry News & Features: Stay informed with the latest developments, policy changes, and insightful analyses affecting the arts community.
• Job Listings: Access a comprehensive directory of current job openings across various disciplines, aiding in career advancement and networking opportunities.
• Opinion Pieces: Engage with thought-provoking articles from industry leaders, offering diverse perspectives on pressing issues within the arts sector.
• Events & Learning Opportunities: Discover upcoming events, workshops, and training sessions designed to enhance professional development and foster collaboration among arts practitioners.

Subscribing to Arts Professional ensures that theatre and creative producers remain connected and well-informed about the dynamic landscape of the arts industry.

How to Engage and Follow?

When you explore and join these platforms, don’t just browse the listings; engage actively! Follow organisations, participate in online forums, attend webinars, and interact with content. Building relationships through these platforms will help you stand out and make sure you’re on the radar of potential employers and collaborators.

Setting up alerts for job opportunities and training programs on LinkedIn and other platforms can ensure you never miss out on new opportunities that match your skills and interests.

If you’re an early-career producer, some advice I would give is as China Plate’s Training & Development Producer:

1. Find what interests you, seek out people who discuss those topics, follow them, and see who they follow.
2. Attend events, engage with the work of others, and always remain open to learning and expanding your professional network

Opportunities for theatre and creative producers are abundant, but it’s up to you to stay connected and proactive in your job and training search. LinkedIn is a great starting point, but make sure to diversify your sources and engage with as many platforms as possible. With persistence and the right tools, your next big opportunity could be just around the corner.

China Plate have a Training & Development Mailer, which offers a monthly round-up of training and development opportunities from us, our programme partners and opportunities from our producer community. Sign up for updates.