Trainee Assistant Stage Manager; Production and Backstage

Lakeside Arts is looking for a Trainee Assistant Stage Manager to join Lakeside Arts as part of Stage Door 11, Good Chance’s flagship programme creating paid opportunities for creatives from refugee and asylum‑seeking backgrounds. This unique traineeship offers hands‑on experience working on Lakeside Arts’ Christmas family production while developing practical skills in stage management and live performance delivery.

You’ll work across rehearsals and performances, supporting backstage operations, props management, performer support, cue preparation and the smooth delivery of performances. You’ll also contribute to audience experience, including accessible and inclusive performances, working closely with technical, production and Front of House teams.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to take their first significant step into professional theatre. Throughout the placement, you will gain experience across rehearsals, performances, technical operations, audience‑facing activity and accessibility initiatives, developing practical skills while working alongside experienced arts professionals in a supportive learning environment.

Lakeside Arts is the University of Nottingham’s public arts and heritage programme, presenting a year‑round programme of theatre, dance, music, exhibitions and learning activity. You’ll join a welcoming team committed to creating inspiring cultural experiences and supporting the next generation of creative professionals.

As part of Stage Door 11, you’ll also become part of a national cohort of trainees, benefiting from networking opportunities, masterclasses, wellbeing support and mentoring delivered by Good Chance.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of theatre, live events or backstage production through professional, educational or independent projects.
• Has some practical backstage experience and is keen to develop a career in theatre.
• Is enthusiastic, reliable and eager to learn.
• Communicates well and enjoys working collaboratively.
• Is based in the East Midlands and available throughout the traineeship period, including some evening and weekend work.
• An interest in stage management, technical theatre, family theatre or inclusive arts

This fixed‑term traineeship runs from 23 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and you must be available for the full period.

• A paid, practical introduction to professional stage management.
• Experience working on a Christmas theatre production.
• Access to mentoring, wellbeing support and industry masterclasses through Stage Door 11.
• Practical experience across stage management, production, accessibility and audience engagement.
• The opportunity to develop confidence, transferable workplace skills and professional networks within the theatre sector.
• A friendly, diverse and supportive working environment.
• Professional development opportunities and valuable industry connections within a leading arts venue.

We welcome applications from people who currently have the right to work in the UK, including those seeking asylum who are permitted to work. If you’re unsure about your current work eligibility, we encourage you to contact us for clarification. If you have been waiting for a decision on your asylum claim for more than 12 months and the delay is not your fault, you can apply to the Home Office for permission to work.

If the Home Office grants you permission, you will only be allowed to take on specific jobs, depending on when your application was submitted, which this role falls under. All offers of employment are made subject to contract, receipt of at least two suitable references and documentation confirming your eligibility to work in the UK.