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- Tasks: Assist in lighting design for a Donmar production and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Join the renowned Donmar Warehouse Theatre, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Receive mentorship, professional development, and access to a vibrant alumni community.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in theatre with bespoke training and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: Experience as a lead Lighting Designer on fringe productions and knowledge of Vectorworks.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and travel bursaries available for candidates outside London.
Application Deadline: 26 November 2025
Department: Catalyst
Employment Type: Freelance
Location: Donmar Warehouse Theatre
Reporting To: Lighting Designer, Natasha Chivers 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 member of the team, willing to fill any gaps that arise
Terms and Dates: Fixed Term Freelance Contract, approximately 23 days between 15 December 2025 - 26 February 2026 at £135 per day
AVAILABILITY Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 10am, Wednesday 26 November
- Interviews: Wednesday 10 December, online
- Onboarding: Week commencing 15 December 2025 (1-2 Days)
- Rehearsals Commence: 5 January 2026
- Tech Week: 9-13 February 2026
- Previews: 14-20 February 2026
- Press Night: 24 February 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 Criteria:
- Experience as lead Lighting Designer on at least 3 fringe level productions
- Experience of working with professional creative teams
- Experience of working with professional technical and stage management teams
- Knowledge of Vectorworks
- 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)
Desirable:
- Basic knowledge of an ETC Lighting Deck
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
- 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 - Upcoming Production in City of London employer: DONMAR WAREHOUSE
Contact Detail:
DONMAR WAREHOUSE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CATALYST | Assistant Lighting Designer - Upcoming Production in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow creatives. You never know who might have a lead on your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out to companies you admire. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming projects where you could lend a hand.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent productions. Show them you’re not just passionate but also informed about their work and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Donmar.
We think you need these skills to ace CATALYST | Assistant Lighting Designer - Upcoming Production in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Make sure your portfolio is up to date and showcases your best work. We want to see your creativity and how you’ve tackled lighting design in past projects, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should reflect your experience relevant to the role. Highlight any work with professional creative teams and your knowledge of Vectorworks. We’re looking for specifics that align with what we do at Donmar.
Articulate Your Vision: In your application, clearly express your artistic vision and why this opportunity is a crucial next step for you. We love to see passion and clarity in your goals, so let us know what drives you!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our Careers Page! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Click that 'Apply Now' button!
How to prepare for a job interview at DONMAR WAREHOUSE
✨Know Your Lighting Design Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of lighting design, especially if you have experience with Vectorworks. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role. This shows your passion and understanding of the craft.
✨Articulate Your Artistic Vision
Prepare to clearly express your artistic vision and why this opportunity is a crucial next step for your career. Think about how your unique identity and experiences shape your approach to lighting design.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Collaboration
This role involves working closely with the Lighting Designer and other team members. Highlight your teamwork skills and be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past productions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the production process and the team dynamics at Donmar. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and goals.