World-class work
We’re committed to helping artists to produce their best work.
We’re a creative hub for writers, directors and storytellers
At the National Theatre we:
- We commission and produce new work for our stages, at the South Bank and on tour.
- We share our resources to help theatre-makers develop work for venues across the UK.
- We champion equity, diversity and inclusion in our casting opportunities.
- We create opportunities for upcoming designers.
Developing new work
Our New Work department is the seedbed of innovation and artistic adventure, over the last 5 years over 160 productions were brought to life in our New Work Department.
Over 100 projects are on the development slate at any one time, and around 1,000 freelance artists and creatives work with the team each year to create new pieces of theatre for our stages and beyond.
We offer dedicated time and resources to create and have a safe space to fail and try again when trying out new and innovative ideas and stories.
Supporting directors
The Peter Hall Bursary
The Peter Hall Bursary is awarded every two years by the National Theatre Foundation to support directors, both financially and artistically.
Supporting producers across the UK
Our Generate programme shares our resources, to develop productions destined for stages outside the capital.
Our support includes costs like artist fees and travel expenses, as well as space, dramaturgical support, and introductions to co-producing partners.
We are excited to offer tangible support for our partners and artists across the country.
I can’t express how much we were able to develop and move the work forward. It felt like such a privilege to be supported so well!
Jay Zorenti-Nakhid, Associate Director of Tobacco Factory, Bristol
Casting
Our Casting Department is committed to promoting and maintaining the excellent standard and quality of actors cast on our stages.
We champion diversity in all forms within casting decisions and are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive audition environment where actors are empowered to do their best work.
The National Theatre is a registered charity. Your support can help hundreds of thousands of people experience the joy of theatre.
More to explore
Explore our other work with audiences across the country, local communities, and young people.
Global reach
We entertain audiences across the UK and around the world. Making world-class theatre accessible to everyone, everywhere.
The Future
We ignite the creativity of young people, reaching over 40,000 individuals every year with our nationwide learning programmes.
Skilled makers
We invest in the UK’s creative industries, creativing opportunities for freelance theatre-makers and developing the next generation of talent.