We also run a regular training programme The Optimists, for emerging artists, creative practitioners and aspiring producers, and a free training programme – Young Producers, for 16–21 year olds.
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China Plate presents The Optimists…
The Optimists offers an introduction to the craft of producing professional theatre and demystifies the financial, administrative, and organisational aspects of producing. Drawing on China Plate’s extensive experience, The Optimists provides knowledge and insight on the practicalities of making, funding, touring, and promoting your work.
This foundation course will consist of 10 sessions taking place over 7 weeks for up to 20 participants. Sessions will take place in-person between Saturday 14th June and Saturday 2nd August 2025 at different venues across the West Midlands.
Course Costs:
If you are within an organisation and would like to put someone forward for The Optimists, please get in touch with Kristina, China Plate’s Training & Development Producer via email: [email protected]
Bursaries are available, covering the full cost of the course, 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.
Who is it for?
The course is suitable for emerging producers, administrators, artists, 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.
This year’s Optimists course is open to participants nationwide and to 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.
Participants should have at least 12 months of professional/industry experience in the arts sector – it is not aimed at those who have recently graduated or who are completely new to working in the arts sector.
“The knowledge, guidance, and resources (given) over the complete course are simply amazing. I have grown as an artist, producer, and all-round theatre-maker, and learned a plethora of transferable skills along the way.” – Optimists Alumni
Application guidelines and FAQ’s are available to download below, which provide further information about the course. Accessible formats are available, including a BSL & captioned introduction, audio introduction and large print formats.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH A BSL & CAPTIONED INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE COURSE.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO AN AUDIO INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE COURSE.
Deadline for applications is 12pm (midday) on Friday 23rd May 2025.
Click on the ‘How To Apply’ button in the top right-hand corner for more information on how to submit your application. Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 28th May 2025. Spaces on our Optimists courses are usually oversubscribed, and due to the number of applications received, we are unfortunately unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
If you have any questions, please contact our Training & Development Producer, Kristina on [email protected]
The Optimists Summer 2025 course is supported by Arena Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Rep and Warwick Arts Centre.
Please ensure that you have read the application guidelines and FAQ’s in full before applying.
Applications should include the following:
Completed application form/questions.
CV/information about your work.
Equal Opportunities form; click here to access.
You can apply for a place on The Optimists course using one of the options below:
Option 1: Click here for the online application form.
Option 2: Download the application form from our website and email it directly.
Option 3: Write your application directly into an email using the questions from the application form.
All emailed applications can be sent to [email protected]
Please write ‘Optimists Application / your name’ in the subject line.
The application includes the opportunity to upload video/voice files or filmed BSL sections if preferable – please refer to the application form for guidance.
Deadline for applications is Friday 23rd May at 12:00pm (midday).
Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 28th May.
Your application is not complete without your CV/information about your work, and we also ask that you submit a completed online equal opportunities form.
The equal opportunities form helps us to evaluate our recruitment process for the future – you have the option to select ‘prefer not to say’ in response to any question. Please remember to include both this form and your CV as part of your application.
If you need any help with your application or would like more information, please refer to our FAQ’s or email [email protected]
Workshop Dates:
Friday 2nd May (5.30-7.00pm)
Wednesday 21st May (5.30-7.00pm)
Please choose the date most convenient for you as the workshops will contain the same content.
Location: Online – Zoom
Cost: Free – Sign up required
China Plate invites you to join writer and performer, Chris Thorpe and Youth Advisor, Zainab Rauf-Tramboo for a free online workshop about nuclear weapons and disarmament – an opportunity to come together and engage in discussions relating to the themes of Chris’ show, Talking About The Fire, which is touring this Spring.
Talking About The Fire is a one-person show, inspired by the sister theatre show A Family Business, which draws on several years’ research with senior arms-control advisors, United Nation (UN) diplomats and activists working to develop the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), as well as officials representing nuclear weapons states.
Who are the workshops for?
This workshop is for young people aged 18-25, from the UK and internationally, who are looking to engage in conversations about nuclear disarmament and youth activism. We want to amplify your voice and show that your ideas, energy and activism are essential in shaping a safer future.
Who are the workshop facilitators?
Chris Thorpe is an award-winning writer and performer from Manchester. His recent work with China Plate includes Talking About the Fire and A Family Business. Chris frequently collaborates with artists and organisations, with his work produced worldwide. UK theatres he has written for include the Royal Court, the Royal Exchange, and the Unicorn.
Zainab Rauf Tramboo is the Youth Advisor for Talking About the Fire and A Family Business. With an academic background in economics, conflict, and violence, she interned at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), where she led multiple projects for the Youth for Disarmament initiative. Recognised as a Disarmament Leader for Tomorrow and Leader to the Future by UNODA, she was invited to speak on her youth and disarmament project at a side event during the 77th UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. Since then, she has continued working in the humanitarian sector, including roles at the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
What to expect?
Through facilitated discussions and interactive group activities, we’ll explore how your voice can contribute to global change. These workshops offer an opportunity for young activists from the UK and internationally to connect, share perspectives and dispute the idea that nuclear disarmament is just for experts.
While no prior knowledge or preparation is required, you might find it useful to explore our suite of digital engagement resources: https://bit.ly/TATFResources – these materials can provide context for the workshop.
If we can make these workshops more accessible to you, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Orla Deacon, China Plate’s Engagement Coordinator at [email protected]
If you would like to sign up for a space for one of these digital workshops, please register via Eventbrite.
If we can make these workshops more accessible to you, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Orla Deacon, China Plate’s Engagement Coordinator at [email protected]
Are you (or could you be) a producer of musical theatre in the Midlands?
If your answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then we’d love to invite you to a free event hosted by China Plate, Musical Theatre Network, Stage One and Birmingham Hippodrome.
We will share some industry insights from the China Plate, Musical Theatre Network, Stage One and Birmingham Hippodrome teams, signpost relevant opportunities, and give you the chance to meet other producers/future producers and discuss what would help you achieve your ambitions in this area.
You don’t need to already be a producer. If musical theatre interests you, and you’re someone who likes ‘making things happen’ – come join us for a conversation!
Date: Tuesday 29th April (5.15-7.15pm)
Location: Birmingham Hippodrome (in the Artists’ Lounge)
Cost: Free – BOOK HERE
And why not take the opportunity to combine this event with seeing ‘& Juliet’ – the musical is playing at 7.30pm that evening at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Once you book in for the event, a link will be shared to access a discount code exclusively for attendees.
If you would like to book to attend the Future Producers networking event, please visit the Musical Theatre Network website: www.musicaltheatrenetwork.com/event/future-producers-of-musicals-in-the-midlands
Once you book in for the event, a link will be shared to access an exclusive discount code for ‘& Juliet‘ playing at 7.30pm on 29th April at Birmingham Hippodrome.