At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Exeter Northcott's Associate scheme for a year of support in developing your theatre company.
- Company: Exeter Northcott, a vibrant hub for artistic development in the South West.
- Benefits: Free rehearsal space, artistic support, discounted tickets, and professional platforms for your work.
- Other info: Engage with the local artistic community and elevate your creative journey.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the theatre scene while receiving tailored support to grow your company.
- Qualifications: Must be a graduating or recent Drama student from the University of Exeter.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you Drama students who have formed a theatre company whilst studying at the University of Exeter, or are you planning to form a theatre company now? Staying in Exeter after graduating? Want a year of support from Exeter Northcott to help you take your next steps?
Exeter Northcott is once again looking for a graduating (or recently graduated) theatre company from the University of Exeter to join its Associate scheme, as part of its artist development programme ELEVATE. The selected theatre company will begin their association with us in September 2026, receiving a year of bespoke support from Exeter Northcott, including free rehearsal space, artistic and administrative support from our staff and professional platforms for sharing new work. Associate company members will also receive free and discounted tickets for selected productions.
ELIGIBILITY: It is essential that your theatre company plans to be based in or around Exeter after graduating so that you can contribute to and participate in the South West’s artistic community. Your company must be at least partly made up of Exeter Drama students (from any undergraduate or postgraduate programme with Drama or Theatre in the title) who are due to graduate this academic year, or who have graduated in the past 2 years (2023-24 and 2024-25 cohorts). The term ‘theatre company’ is used in the broadest sense. You might be a company that has roots in participatory/applied work, focuses on new writing, or has a passion for musicians. Whatever your interest, we want to hear from you!
TIMELINE:
- Fri Feb 20th 2026: Call-out opens for expressions of interest from companies comprising final‑year Exeter Drama students or students who have graduated since 2022.
- Fri March 20th 2026: Application deadline for expressions of interest.
- Fri April 17th, 2026: Shortlisted theatre companies invited to share their work/practice with Exeter Northcott in Term 3. This can be invitations to live performances, workshops, rehearsals, or recordings of previous pieces of work.
- Fri May 22nd, 2026: Successful applicants selected. Companies not selected for the associateship offered an optional feedback meeting with a member of Exeter Northcott’s artistic team.
- Monday September 7th, 2026: The selected company begins their formal association with the Northcott.
HOW TO APPLY: Please email Artist development producer Sam Parker (s.parker8@exeter.ac.uk) with an expression of interest detailing the following:
- About the company: This could feature basic information about the company, short company member biographies, and any work you might have done together already.
- What next? (100 words max.): This section should tell us about your hopes for the company.
- How could Exeter Northcott best support you? Specifics on what you might need from us during your year‑long associateship and when.
- A referee: Please include contact details for a University of Exeter Drama staff member who knows and can speak for your work.
Applications can be sent in written form (750 words maximum) or via video (no longer than 5 mins).
WHAT COMES NEXT? Shortlisted applicants will be invited to share their work/practice with Exeter Northcott’s artistic team in Term 3. This might mean inviting us to a show you have in the T3 Festival, or to a workshop you are running, or perhaps to a rehearsal, or sharing a digital recording of a previous project. The important thing is we get to see your company’s work. The selected company will have a meeting with Exeter Northcott in June 2026 to make plans for their residency. All shortlisted companies not selected for the associateship will receive feedback upon request. The selection panel will feature members of the Exeter Northcott artistic team, Drama staff from the University of Exeter, and Exeter Drama alumnae who have formed a theatre company.
If you have any questions, if you need to apply in a different format or you require any additional support, please email Sam Parker (s.parker8@exeter.ac.uk).
ELEVATE is Exeter Northcott’s programme designed to ensure we are doing everything we can to support South-West artists in taking their next steps.
University Associate Company Call-out in Exeter employer: Exeternorthcott
Contact Detail:
Exeternorthcott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land University Associate Company Call-out in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get your company’s name out there! Use social media to showcase your work and connect with other local artists. Tag Exeter Northcott in your posts to grab their attention!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Organise a few informal performances or workshops to show off your skills. This not only hones your craft but also gives you something to share when you reach out to Exeter Northcott.
✨Tip Number 3
Network, network, network! Attend local theatre events and engage with the community. Building relationships can lead to opportunities and recommendations that might just help you land that associate spot.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure your expression of interest is clear and showcases your vision. We want to see how you plan to contribute to the artistic community in Exeter!
We think you need these skills to ace University Associate Company Call-out in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Company’s Unique Voice: When writing your application, make sure to highlight what makes your theatre company special. We want to see your passion and creativity shine through, so don’t hold back on showcasing your unique style and vision!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application focused and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so stick to the word limits and ensure every sentence adds value. This will help us understand your goals and how we can support you best.
Include Specific Needs: In your application, be specific about what support you’re looking for from Exeter Northcott. Whether it’s rehearsal space or administrative help, let us know how we can assist you in making your company thrive!
Don’t Forget the Referee: Make sure to include a referee who knows your work well. A strong recommendation from a University of Exeter Drama staff member can really boost your application, so choose someone who can speak positively about your company’s potential.
How to prepare for a job interview at Exeternorthcott
✨Know Your Company
Before the interview, make sure you research Exeter Northcott and its ELEVATE programme. Understand their mission, values, and the kind of support they offer. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their artistic community.
✨Showcase Your Work
Prepare to share examples of your theatre company's previous work. Whether it's a live performance, workshop, or a digital recording, having tangible evidence of your creativity and collaboration will impress the selection panel and demonstrate your potential.
✨Be Clear About Your Needs
In your application, be specific about what support you hope to receive from Exeter Northcott during your associateship. This could include rehearsal space, administrative help, or networking opportunities. Clarity here shows that you have thought critically about your future and how they can assist you.
✨Engage with the Community
Express your commitment to contributing to the South West’s artistic community. Share ideas on how your company plans to engage with local audiences and other artists. This will highlight your dedication to not just your own success, but also to the broader cultural landscape in Exeter.