Applications for The Optimists Summer 2025 course are now open!
Here is a run-down of some key bits and places to find information about the course:
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Information about The Optimists course can be found on our Opportunities page – this includes application guidelines and details on how to apply. Accessible formats are available, including BSL & captioned and audio introductions about the course, alongside large print formats.
FAQ’s
We also have a FAQ’s sheet available to download below – this covers the key questions we are often asked about the course. If you have any additional questions, please contact our Training & Development Producer, Kristina on [email protected]
COURSE OVERVIEW
This year’s Optimist course is suitable for emerging producers, administrators, artists and creative practitioners, who are hoping to develop their skills as professional producers, or as a producer of their own work, in the subsidised arts sector.
The course is open to participants nationwide, and those working across different art forms (e.g., dance, live art, spoken word, etc.) but has a particular focus on producing and touring live work in the theatre industry.
Sessions: 10 in-person sessions taking place over 7 weeks
Dates: Between Saturday 14th June and Saturday 2nd August 2025
Location: Venues across the West Midlands
Spaces: For up to 20 participants
Costs:
- For freelancers/individuals: £480 per person (inclusive of VAT)
- For organisations: £660 per person (inclusive of VAT)
Bursaries are available to those who have faced prejudice, discrimination and/or cultural barriers due to factors including (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, neurodiversity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Bursaries cover the full cost of the course.
DEADLINE EXTENDED: New closing date is 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 28th May 2025.
2024 ALUMNI REFLECTIONS
“This course unlocks heaps of producing secrets it might have taken me years to understand by myself. It includes loads of insights from all the different areas and industry professionals’ producers should have a good grasp on. My confidence and independence as a producer have shot up throughout this course.”
Optimists Alumni Sonia and Raymond were invited to write a blog to share what they enjoyed about the programme, what has influenced their approach to producing, and what their biggest takeaways were post doing The Optimists Summer 2024 course.
If you would like to have a read, Sonia’s blog can be found here, and Raymond’s can be found here.
ANYTHING ELSE?
If you would like to be kept up to date about other Training & Development opportunities from China Plate, please sign up to receive regular updates.
Alternatively, check out our People-Focused Producing programme.
We look forward to reading your applications!
