BOP Backstage Trainees (BBT) is a free 2-year training programme for up to 6 Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people with a passion for working backstage (including roles like stage manager, lighting designer, costume maker, sound technician, carpenter and many more).

What is BOP Backstage Trainees?

BOP Backstage Trainees is part of BOPs Cue Backstage project, which aims to make backstage and offstage roles more accessible for D/deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people.

The BOP Backstage Trainees will take part in: 

• Workshops to learn skills in a range of backstage and offstage roles.
• Individual mentoring to set goals for their backstage/offstage journey.
• Active reflection on their learning via video diaries/blogs etc.
• Creating their own access statement with support from BOP.
• Working backstage on other BOP projects.
• Multiple placements with various types of arts organisations across Scotland (producing venues, receiving venues, touring companies etc.). 

Who is it for?

This opportunity is open to people aged 18 or over, who are interested in working backstage and offstage. Maybe you have no previous experience, loads of experience, are eager to change to a backstage role, or you have been working backstage or offstage for a while and are adjusting to new barriers.

When we say backstage roles, we mean the people and roles needed on the night to make the show happen, and offstage, we mean ones like design, management and creative offstage roles. We provide a more detailed list here: Backstage and Offstage definitions. This opportunity is not for directors, dramaturgy or writers. If this is what interests you, we suggest you look at BOP Young Artists (Theatre-Makers).

The selection process is for up to 6 artists, and we hope to reflect a breadth of roles and diversity of lived experience.

Where will it take place?

The first year will include an initial training week in August 2026, followed by monthly workshops, as well as working on a BOP Young Artists production in March 2027.

Activity in the second year will be more spread-out, focussing on 1-to-1 mentoring and up to three work placements.

How much does it cost?

With funding from The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation we are able to make this opportunity FREE to take part.

Accessibility

This opportunity is open to Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent individuals. All activity and placements will be designed with individual access needs considered, with access costs covered.

We understand that sometimes conditions can flare and health can fluctuate. We will support you however we can for you to continue to take part for the duration of the project.

BOP recognises that applicants may face additional barriers in order to take part, including caring responsibilities and/or socioeconomic barriers. Therefore there is a small stipend available for those whose involvement would be dependent on the removal of these barriers. If you may need access to this please let us know in your application form.