New Technical Apprenticeship role at the Lyric

We are thrilled to once again partner with the Mackintosh Foundation to offer this apprenticeship, offering young people a stepping-stone into the theatre industry and supporting the next generation of technical theatre professionals.

As the largest employer of theatre practitioners in Northern Ireland, we strongly support the need to cultivate the next generation of theatre professionals. This is especially important in Northern Ireland, where there is currently no professional technical theatre training available. These pathway roles are an important focus for the theatre, and in the past few years we have offered a number of pathway roles including a Trainee Scenic Carpenter, Costume Assistant, Assistant Production Manager, Finance Assistant and Assistant Director, all supported by various funding sources including Art Work and Theatre Artists Fund.

The Lyric was one of thirteen regional theatres across the UK to participate in the first year of the Regional Theatre Technical Apprenticeship Programme with the Mackintosh Foundation. The Lyric’s participation in the programme has been deeply impactful – strengthening our production capacity while creating a meaningful pathway for new talent. Over two years, our apprentice Fergal Lonergan progressed from a supporting role to leading complex productions. His development highlights the long-term value of structured, supported training within a producing theatre, and it’s a brilliant example of how investment in people strengthens both organisations and the wider infrastructure of regional theatre.

Cameron Mackintosh said, “I started my career sweeping the stage of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and have worked in nearly every department in the Theatre from backstage to marketing – except the wardrobe, as my sewing wasn’t good enough! Learning how all the elements of a show are put together has been key to my long career as a producer.”

Assistant Production Manager role

This role will operate within our Production Management team, gaining hands on experience of working in a busy production department in a producing theatre. They will work on our in-house programme, and will also have the opportunity to lead on the production management of our Creative Learning programme. As well as being a full-time salaried position, this role includes structured training in Production Management, offered remotely through Chichester College, plus in-person training days, and industry and networking events with industry professionals across the UK.

The ideal candidate for this role is someone with either professional theatre experience, although not necessarily in Production Management, or someone who has completed a degree in a technical theatre subject. They must be self-motivated, flexible, and capable of working effectively under pressure. They should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They must also be able to multitask and meet tight deadlines, and have a passion for theatre.

The post is a 24-month fixed term contract, after which the postholder will have gained exceptional experience, training, and industry knowledge and will be well positioned to further their career in theatre production management.

We are currently recruiting for this role - Click Here Assistant Production Manager. Closing date is 12pm on Thursday 12th June 2025.