The Genesis Theatre Design Programme is now accepting applications for its second cohort of eight new trainee theatre designers. This initiative aims to address under-representation in theatre design, by providing free, comprehensive training and mentorship to global majority adults from socially and economically challenging backgrounds.

The programme is open to individuals aged 21 and over. While no specific qualifications are required, applicants must submit a portfolio or summary of previous creative work, including work or education experience, or a self-directed project in a creative field.

Launched in 2023, the two-year, part-time programme focuses on Staging, Performance, and Costume Design, offering participants tutorials with world-class designers and directors, lectures and research projects, practical training, design projects, and placements as design assistants. The programme’s unique approach emphasises a close connection to working theatre, mirroring its predecessor the renowned Motley Theatre Design Course.

This programme is an intentional intervention to cultivate a new cohort of creatives, predominantly in backstage roles, from diverse global majority heritage,” says course leader Gbolahan Obisesan. “Along with acquiring new craft and artistic skills, these individuals will, after two years, then take their knowledge to various companies and organisations…that will be the start of new career paths in the creative industries, aiming to redress the imbalance of representation.”

The Genesis Theatre Design Programme is a partnership between the Mulberry Schools Trust, the National Theatre, and The School of Historical Dress, and is funded by the Genesis Foundation, with additional support from the James Family Charitable Trust.

One of the trainees from the first two-year programme says: “The Genesis Theatre Design Programme has been a collection of extraordinary experiences – from building technical skills in model-making to expanding my knowledge of the historical context of fabric and clothing. Under the mentorship of such skilled and established designers, we have been given the space and guidance to cultivate our design ideas, eventually bringing them to life as three-dimensional projects. This course has given me invaluable practical skills, knowledge and connections and completely changed the trajectory of my life.”

• Gbolahan Obisesan: Award-winning British Nigerian actor, writer and director and former Artistic Director of Brixton House.
• Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey: Black British Theatre Award and UK Theatre Award-winning designer.
• ULTZ: Olivier Award, UK Theatre Award, Off-West End Award-winning, and Tony Award-nominated designer/director.

  John Studzinski, Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Foundation, said:

  Emerging designers will benefit from two years of mentorship from some of the UK’s leading design professionals. Structured, collaborative programmes like this are vital to the UK’s cultural sector, ensuring that the country thrives and leads by example when it comes to innovation, professionalism, and representation.”

  Applications for the new cohort are now open. For more information and to apply, click  here.

  • Es Devlin, Theatre Designer, alumna of the Motley Theatre Design Course and trustee of the Genesis Theatre Design Programme: “In the theatre, objects and environments can be given voice and invited to sing with performers…The Genesis Theatre Design Programme has this knowledge at its roots: I look forward to witnessing its second cohort flourish, and to learning from them while supporting their progress.”
  • Clint Dyer, Theatre director, Associate Artist of the National Theatre and Patron of The Genesis Theatre Design Programme: “I would not have been able to do the work I do without a similar intervention early in my career. It’s exactly what a National Theatre should be backing. I am proud to be part of it.”
  • Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey: “We are actively reaching out to people who may have started, or work, in different art forms to theatre, or spend a lot of time dreaming up ideas or creating their own projects.”