At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in lighting design for a Donmar production and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Join the renowned Donmar Warehouse Theatre, committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to a vibrant alumni community.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and travel bursaries available for candidates outside London.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in theatre with bespoke training and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: Experience as lead Lighting Designer on fringe productions and a passion for creative expression.
The predicted salary is between 2925 - 2925 € per month.
Application Deadline: 2 June 2026
Department: Catalyst
Employment Type: Freelance
Location: Donmar Warehouse Theatre
Reporting To: Lighting Designer, Tim Lutkin and Head of Inclusion and Skills, Stacey Carr
Compensation: £135 / day
Description
Mission: Creating equitable access to the industry is a core Donmar value. CATALYST is a professional development programme for those who have been historically underrepresented at the Donmar and within the sector. We are interested in supporting artists who identify as being a part of the global majority, trans, non-binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio-economic background. The programme provides key professional development for these artists to catapult their careers to the next level, preparing them to thrive and lead in the theatre sector.
About the role
As a part of the Donmar’s CATALYST professional development training programme, the role is an opportunity for outstanding, early-career artists to receive bespoke training, both practical and observational, by assisting the Designer to realise the lighting design for a Donmar production. The goal is to gain insight into a high-level production process while developing and strengthening your skills and artistic voice.
Responsibilities
- Attend meetings with the Lighting Designer and in-house Lighting team, liaising where necessary
- Attend and take notes at rehearsals and production meetings
- Assist with the drawing of lighting plans
- Assist with rigging, focusing, and plotting
- Being present at fit up, technical rehearsals and previews to assist as necessary
- Serve as a proactive and positive member of the team, willing to fill any gaps that arise
Terms and Dates
Fixed Term Freelance Contract, Approx. 23 days between 13 July-2 September 2026 at £135 per day (+1.5 day rate during tech week)
Availability Key Dates:
- Onboarding: Week commencing 29 June and/or 6 July 2026
- Rehearsals Commence: 13 July 2026
- Fit Up/Tech Week: 17-22 August 2026
- Previews: 22-28 August 2026
- Press Night: 2 September 2026
Working hours: Flexible–dates and hours to be mutually agreed with the Lighting Designer and Head of Inclusion and Skills. Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for candidates based outside of London.
How to apply
To apply, you will need to submit an up to date portfolio, CV and complete the online form via this Careers Page.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience as lead Lighting Designer on at least 3 fringe level productions (Higher Education Productions not included)
- Experience of working with professional creative teams
- Experience of working with professional technical and stage management teams
- Able to demonstrate and articulate a clear artistic vision and reason for pursuing the opportunity and why this is a crucial next step for their creative practice and career
- At least one element of your identity or an intersection of identities that is currently underrepresented in creative roles in the theatre industry (Global majority, trans, non-binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio-economic background).
Nice to Have
- Basic knowledge of an ETC Lighting Desk
- Knowledge of Vectorworks
What You Will Receive
- Access to mentorship from a leading practitioner in the development of a large scale, ambitious production
- Mentoring support from the Head of Inclusion and Skills and Resident Assistant Director
- Company-wide investment in your professional development where we encourage you to connect with the wider Donmar community as much as possible to gain insight into the sector at large
- A 1-hour mentoring session with a leading theatre maker post-contract
- Access to a vibrant and active Donmar trainee alumni community of emerging directors and designers which includes post-contract invites to networking mixers and Donmar productions, ongoing coaching and mentorship as needed, as well as other learning and professional development opportunities from our sector partners and beyond
CATALYST | Assistant Lighting Designer - A Month in the Country employer: DONMAR WAREHOUSE
The Donmar Warehouse Theatre is an exceptional employer, particularly for early-career artists seeking to make their mark in the theatre industry. Through the CATALYST programme, we offer tailored professional development opportunities, mentorship from industry leaders, and a supportive work culture that champions diversity and inclusion. Our commitment to equitable access ensures that all voices are heard and nurtured, making this a truly rewarding environment for those looking to grow their artistic careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CATALYST | Assistant Lighting Designer - A Month in the Country
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and even casual meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role. Plus, it’s a great way to learn from others in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and be seen! If you can, volunteer for productions or assist on projects. This hands-on experience not only builds your skills but also puts you in front of key players in the industry who might just remember you when a position opens up.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow industry leaders, engage with their content, and share your own work. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your artistic vision and connect with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about supporting underrepresented artists, so make sure you submit your portfolio and CV via our Careers Page. It’s your chance to shine and show us why you’re the perfect fit for the CATALYST programme!
We think you need these skills to ace CATALYST | Assistant Lighting Designer - A Month in the Country
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases your best work and reflects your unique artistic vision. We want to see what makes you stand out, so include a variety of projects that highlight your skills and creativity.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to the role by highlighting relevant experience and skills that align with the Assistant Lighting Designer position. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work in professional creative teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why this opportunity is crucial for your career. Be genuine and articulate your artistic vision clearly. Let us know how your background and experiences make you a great fit for the CATALYST programme.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our Careers Page! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at DONMAR WAREHOUSE
✨Know Your Lighting Design
Make sure you brush up on your lighting design knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your past experiences as a lead Lighting Designer and how they relate to the role. Highlight specific projects where you’ve made an impact, especially in fringe productions.
✨Articulate Your Artistic Vision
Prepare to clearly articulate your artistic vision and why this opportunity is crucial for your career. Think about how your unique identity and experiences shape your perspective in lighting design, and be ready to share that during the interview.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Collaboration
This role involves working closely with the Lighting Designer and other team members. Show your enthusiasm for collaboration by discussing how you’ve successfully worked in teams before. Share examples of how you’ve contributed positively to group dynamics in past productions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. Consider asking about the mentorship opportunities or how the team approaches inclusivity in their productions, which aligns with the Donmar’s values.
