SPRINGBOARD Application Form

Springboard is our FREE part-time training programme that aims to find, shape, inspire, champion and sustain the next generation of performers from underrepresented backgrounds.

Applications are now OPEN for The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s 2025 cohort of SPRINGBOARD trainees. This ground-breaking programme is a performance pathway into employment designed specifically to support young people who have zero to little formal drama training and are currently underrepresented in theatre.

SPRINGBOARD is our year-long free part-time actor training programme that aims to find, shape, inspire, champion and sustain the next generation of performers from underrepresented backgrounds. It is designed specifically to support 10 young people aged 18-25 who live in West London, have zero to little formal drama training and are currently underrepresented in theatre.

Our 2025 cohort will train with us from January to November 2025. Please see an example schedule from a previous cohort in our FAQs.

Successful applicants are enrolled in the programme, benefitting from a bursary of £200 per month during term time* that will support them while they take part in a wide range of development initiatives including Studio showcases, original commissioned Studio shows, industry workshops and masterclasses, artist development mentoring, and opportunities both on and off the stage. Trainees also receive:

  • Free headshots during and after the programme
  • Free rehearsal, self tape, writing and meeting space at the Lyric during and after the programme
  • Invitations to all Lyric Press Nights for their 2025 and 2026 season
  • Free and discounted tickets for London-wide theatre performances
  • Rehearsal observation for every Lyric Main House show, and masterclasses from every Lyric Main House Director
  • The Ability to secure a TFL student card which provides a third off travel costs
  • Eligibility for discounted Graduate membership on Spotlight
  • Meetings regarding union representation, freelance tax accountancy, professional networking, and more
  • *Term Time: Bursary will be paid on the last day of the month in Jan, Feb, Mar, May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct, Nov. Excluding Apr, Aug and Dec when there will be a break.

Auditions will take place:

  • First round: Monday 9th December, a slot between 10:00 – 18:00 (group audition)
  • Second round: Friday 13th December, a slot between 10:00 – 18:00 (individual audition & informal interview)

SPRINGBOARD is kindly supported by The John Lyon’ s Charity.

What are we looking for?

  • Those who are passionate about acting, performing, and entering the industry professionally
  • Those who are keen to meet and network with industry professionals including Directors, Casting Agents, Playwrights, etc.
  • Those who have excellent organisational and communication skills
  • We are particularly interested in hearing from those who are a part of the global majority, neuro divergent, d/Deaf, disabled, part of the LGBTQ+ community, those from low-income households, those in care, are care leavers, or are carers. This is not a definitive & complete list, we highly encourage you to apply if you feel interested.

In order to apply, you must:

  • Be aged 18-25 by the start of the programme, January 2025
  • Live in West London: Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond Upon Thames, Wandsworth and Westminster
  • Have little to no formal actor training
    • Please note we do not accept those who have completed training at an accredited drama school, including foundation courses
    • We do accept those who have done young companies, summer/evening courses
  • You must be able to attend both rounds of auditions on w/c 9th December
  • You must be able to commit to attending and completing the entire year-long programme

If you feel anxious or unsure about any of these questions, or your eligibility for this programme, please have a look at our FAQs, or get in touch with Alessandra at participation@lyric.co.uk

SPRINGBOARD 2025 Application Form

We highly encourage you to get in touch with us if you’d like to chat about taking part via participation@lyric.co.uk or 020 8741 6822. Please contact us if you require these questions or would like to apply in an alternative format (such as video or audio application). Applications for this project close on Monday 2 December. Thank you for applying! You can find out more information about how the Lyric respects your data in our privacy policy - https://lyric.co.uk/privacy-statement/

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*This needs to be a different phone number from yours. This is someone we can call for you in the case of an emergency. This could be a family member, a friend, a support worker, or someone you live with.
Do you consider yourself to be d/Deaf, disabled, or with a long-term physical or mental health condition?*
Which West London Borough do you live in?*
Are you available and able to complete the entire year-long programme?*

Would you be available for a group audition on Monday 9 December?*

Please note we are not able to accommodate alternative audition dates.
Are you available for an individual audition and informal interview on Friday 13 December?*

Please note we are not able to accommodate alternative audition dates.
We will always support and/or accommodate these to the best of our abilities. This could be, requiring step free access, specific formatting of printed text, a breakout space, etc.
Do you have professional representation?*

Have you trained at an accredited drama school?*

CREATIVE PROMPTS

You can respond to this in any way that you would like- you can write something, link us to a video or picture, etc.

Applications for this project close on Monday 2 December. Thank you for applying!

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