Professional Arts Development Programme
Maynardville Theatre, in partnership with the Open Culture Foundation and Eastern Acoustics, is proud to announce the return of its Technical Theatre Arts Professional Development Programme for recent graduates in the Performing Arts.
Now entering its fourth consecutive year, and in celebration of 70 years of the Maynardville Open-Air Festival, this initiative continues to place education and industry development at its core, focusing on hands-on, practical training that builds real-world skills and long-term careers in the live performance sector.
Expanding Industry Training in 2026
We are excited to expand the programme in 2026 through a new formal partnership with Eastern Acoustics, the technical supplier to the Maynardville Festival for the past four years. Their team of professional technicians will provide on-site mentorship and training, guiding participants through all aspects of live production – from rigging and plotting to troubleshooting under pressure.
In addition to training at the Maynardville site, participants will spend time at the Eastern Acoustics warehouse, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into: equipment preparation and packing, power and signal distribution and the function and handling of professional lighting, sound, and rigging equipment.
This real-world training is designed to empower the next generation of theatre professionals through direct industry exposure and expert guidance.
About the Programme
Participants will join the team responsible for delivering the full technical infrastructure of the Maynardville Open-Air Festival, which features a diverse season of Music Concerts, Opera, Ballet, and the annual Shakespeare production. Responsibilities will include:
- Stage management and rehearsal support
- Lighting and sound setup and operation
- Wardrobe, set, and props maintenance
- Front-of-house and backstage duties
You will collaborate with visiting professional designers across lighting, sound, set, and costume design, gaining invaluable mentorship and insight.
2026 Cohort Call
We are seeking three (3) driven, hard-working graduates to join the 2026 crew.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A completed tertiary qualification in Performing Arts (minimum 3-year diploma or degree).
- A strong interest in technical theatre, preferably with some student or amateur experience.
- Full-time availability from 10 January to 3 March 2026.
- Physical ability to carry and load equipment and climb ladders.
- Self-provided transport and accommodation (these are not provided).
Weekly stipend is provided.
How to Apply:
Please complete the application form thoroughly. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a short video introducing themselves and their skillsets ahead of the interview process.
Application form: https://forms.gle/VMqWX8kyipwhMk1K6
Important:
This is a skills-building programme for those who have already studied in the performing arts. It is not an internship for those without formal training. The decision of the selection panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Targeting Theatre Technicians
The Open Culture Foundation Personal Development Programme
The Professional Development Programme is aimed at bridging the gap between institutional training and workplace experience.
Why is this necessary?
In many instances a new work opportunity requires work experience. But how does a recent graduate attain work experience if they don’t qualify for the work because they do not have experience? This catch twenty-two is not a new phenomenon, but now this programme aims to address multiple problems in a tangible way.
How does it work?
Recent graduates are selected on their intention to pursue a career in the theatre with a primary, or secondary focus on the technical theatre arts. They must show an aptitude for technical theatre production, hold a recent tertiary theatre arts qualification and have no previous professional work contract experience.
The programme aims to afford recent graduates a chance to work in the genres of Opera, Orchestra, Light Music and Drama, using the Maynardville performance platform as training ground for one-on-one skills transfer. No other platform provides this varied opportunity for learning across these very diverse genres.
By pairing interns alongside professional Stage Managers, Lighting Designers, Sound Designers, Lighting Operators, Sound Operators, Front Of House Staff etc, we ensure a one-on-one skills transfer of the highest standard and afford interns an opportunity to work across different theatrical genres over the course of a six week period.
There are nuances and practicalities particular to each and none of them can be approached in the same manner of technical production as each genre requires a very specific execution model. Capacity building in these skillsets is one of the aims that this ground-breaking and vital programme aims to achieve.
Proof of concept
The inaugural post-Covid festival presented in 2023, saw twelve graduates through the programme. We are truly proud to know that they have all been gainfully employed on further productions since completing the course.
Contact Us
Contact Us for more information about the 2024 intake.
Targeting New Theatre Directors
The Open Culture Foundation Theatre Directors’ Internship Programme
There is no singular path to becoming a theatre director; no single course you can study or position to apply for. Theatre directors reveal themselves over time while working on different productions in different capacities. But where to from here?
This is where our brand new Director’s Internship Programme comes into play; where passion meets opportunity! If you are a driven, creative, and aspiring director looking to take your craft to new heights, this is the platform for you. Gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry professionals to bring a singular artistic vision to life. Unleash your potential, challenge yourself, and make meaningful connections in the world of theatre making.
Join us on this transformative journey and let your directorial dreams take flight!
Contact Us to apply and embark on an adventure that will shape your future in the theatre industry.