Applications for The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue Work Experience programme are now open!

Applications for The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue Work Experience programme are now open!

We run our Work Experience programme twice a year, for Year 10 & Year 12 students, offering an overview of all aspects of the operation of both our venues (The Octagon and Westlands).

Students can expect to spend time with our Arts Engagement & Outreach, Programming, Box Office, Front of House, Marketing, Finance, Events and Technical teams.

Over the week participants will take part in a series of challenges as set by each department, working together as a team, and at the end of the week will showcase what they have learned.

Dates for 2024:
8 - 12 April: Year 12
22 - 26 July: Year 10

During each week we can accommodate up to 15 participants who meet Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil.

Over the course of the week you will:

• Discover how a receiving theatre operates, from programming to marketing to staging the show.
• Learn about producing events, activities and touring productions.
• Meet industry professionals and the people behind the scenes that make it all happen.
• Find out about careers in the creative industries and what that means for you, including how to forge your own pathway.
• Develop key employability skills: teamwork, communication, problem-solving and public speaking.

Working in small groups, you will take part in a series of practical challenges set by different members of staff from the team at The Octagon Theatre & Westlands.

For more information, and to apply, visit our Work Experience page.

This programme is free to take part in and is fully accessible. Please note the programme will focus on non-performing roles within the theatre.

Quotes from 2023:

“Thank you so much for the great week, I’ve learnt loads and really enjoyed it!”

“It was really interesting finding out about all sorts of job opportunities, and I learned a lot about opportunities I may be interested in when I'm older.”

“My child has blossomed under the programme and so thoroughly enjoyed it that I cannot thank you all enough!”