Production Design Assistants

We are looking for two Production Design Assistants to join the National Theatre's Production team on a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract. The role is an opportunity for designers who have recently graduated or are in the early stages of their careers to understand the process of creating and realising designs for large scale and complex shows. The Design Assistants will have the opportunity to support and assist established designers whilst engaging with the various in-house departments of the National Theatre.

Over a 12-month period, the Design Assistants will work across all National Theatre productions and learn how designers interact and communicate with technical departments in the building to achieve their designs, with the opportunity to work directly on productions. There are two positions available:

• One of the positions is supported by the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund.
• The second position is supported by the Max Rayne Design Bursary.

Please note this position will start on 25th May 2026 for the first position and on 16th November 2026 for the second position.

The successful candidates will have the following:

• A degree or other qualification in theatre design and/or scenography.
• Competence in model making, AutoCAD and Photoshop.
• A portfolio of their own design work.
• Professional experience designing shows or assisting/associating other designers.
• Documented experience of designing set and/or costume on productions inside and outside of college.

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

Please provide your portfolio as part of your application. This should be uploaded in the 'Additional Files' section and should be no larger than 5MB.

Working with us will give you:

• Complimentary staff tickets for shows and guided tours, subject to availability and policy.
• 25 days annual leave increasing up to 32 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Development Programmes via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role.
• Access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme partnership.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Family Friendly policies including Family leave and Support leave.
• Family-friendly employer – we are a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA).
• Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST.
• Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy.
• On-site staff canteen and social facilities.
• On-site occupational health support.
• In-house mental health and wellbeing advisors providing workplace counselling and support.
• Wellbeing programme of events, including mental health awareness, financial wellbeing, skills sharing and opportunities to get active.
• Exclusive staff talks to hear more about NT productions, past and present, from leading practitioners.
• Discounted access to National Theatre at Home.
• Volunteer leave – one paid day per year to volunteer for your chosen charity.
• Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafés, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to gyms), on and around the South Bank.
• Access to retailer discounted gift cards and a cash-back-on-spending card.

Please note the closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Monday 16th March 2026 at 12 noon. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

In line with our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), we recognise that we need to address underrepresentation in our organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals who are part of global majority, disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We strive to promote inclusive and equitable practices in all areas of the NT.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet our minimum requirements for our vacancies. If you would like to speak to someone about any adjustments or have any questions about the recruitment process, you can email recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk or call us on 02074523834.