Apply for Centre 59 Company

Love storytelling and theatre but never had the chance to get into professional training? Whether you’ve never performed before, or you’ve dabbled in amateur script writing  or taken A-level drama, Centre 59 Company offers you a space to discover your potential and learn new skills. 

Centre 59 Company is a six-month programme (Nov-April), where you’ll learn the fundamentals of theatremaking and work with your peers and theatre professionals to devise, develop and rehearse work including a new theatre production that will be performed live at the Roundhouse in Spring 2025. The programme will give you an insight into what it’s like to create and perform in a professional setting and give you the foundation to tell your own stories. 

What you get

• Masterclasses in the fundamentals of storytelling and theatre, from improv, acting skills, script-writing and directing to physical theatre such as stage combat.
• Discover what roles you enjoy, whether that’s behind the scenes, on stage, or both.
• Understand all the elements of making theatre, and how you get from idea to rehearsal room to stage.
• Learn how to collaborate creatively with a group. 
• Network with other aspiring theatre artists and professional tutors.
• Work with experienced industry teachers and professionals.
• Receive professional headshots and advice on putting together a work portfolio.
• Gain access to Roundhouse studios including use of rehearsal and work spaces
• Devise your own production and be part of a  show that will be performed live at Roundhouse in Spring 2026 (Participants will be paid for the rehearsals and performances). 
• Leave with professional theatre experience that can help you take the next steps in theatre. 

Who we’re looking for

• No specific skills or prior experience are required to participate, all you need is a love for theatre and an openness to learning, with a commitment of six months.
• We value a diverse range of experiences within the company, so whether you want to be on stage or create your own productions, Centre 59 is all about finding out where your passions lie.  

About Centre 59 

Centre 59 is an accessible space and entry point for young people to the artform of storytelling in theatre and the performing arts. Core to Centre 59 is the mission to build young artists who learn to share their own stories through a programme of writing, acting, directing and producing. 

Centre 59 is a creative partnership from Roundhouse and 59% Productions, spearheaded by Roundhouse Associate Artistic Director Daniel Kaluuya. 

Eligibility criteria

• Be aged 18-25 and based in the UK
• Be available for all project dates
• This project is not open to anyone who has currently, or recently, taken part in any vocational or intensive performing arts training. (This could include CAT programs, associations with professional training institutions such as drama schools, those professionally represented or performing at a high grade level.) This is to help us ensure the project is accessible to those who have not experienced similar projects before. 
• This project is not open to anyone who has had professional (paid) credits in the last 5 years.

Key dates:

First round auditions

• Sundays, 21 and 28 September, 10am-5pm

Second round auditions

• Sat 11 Oct, 10am-1pm 

Final round auditions

• Sun 12 Oct, 10am-5pm

Term 1 (Nov-Dec)

• Intensive workshops: Sat 8, Sun 9 Nov, Sat 6 Dec, 10am-4pm
• Evening workshops: Thursdays and Fridays 13 Nov-12 Dec, 6-9pm 

Term 2 (Jan-March)

• Intensive workshops: Sat 17 Jan, Sun 18 Jan, Sat 7 Feb, Sat 14 and Sun 15 March, 10am-4pm 
• Evening workshops: Thursdays and Fridays 8 Jan-20 Mar (excl 19, 20 Feb), 6-9pm

Rehearsals (Paid)

• Full time daytime rehearsals, evenings may be required. Mon 23-Sat 28 Mar, Mon 30 Mar-Thu 2 Apr. 

Production week (Paid)

• Full time daytime rehearsals, evenings will be required.Tue 7 – Sat 11 Apr

Closing session

• Thu 16 Apr, 6-9pm

How to apply

• Fill in our online application form by Monday 8 September, 5pm. See key dates for audition and project dates. 
• If you secure a place, this programme costs £25 per term (free to apply).

About the selection process:

1. Initial application – this will be an online form gathering your details, along with a section that can be written or a video uploaded allowing us to hear why you are applying for the course. If an online application is inaccessible to you, please contact advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk and arrangements can be made for you to receive support with this form. Those eligible and shortlisted will be offered an audition slot.
2. The audition – There will be a group workshop that will include ensemble skills, drama games and an opportunity for us to see how you work in a group. We will be looking for participants to demonstrate openness, generosity and creative collaboration skills as well as potential and talent.  

We will be aiming to bring together young people from a range of backgrounds and experience levels to create a company that will learn and grow together during the 6 month project. 

Following the audition: You will be informed if you have been offered a place on the project by Friday 17 October  and invited to complete an acceptance form to secure your place on the project. For those not offered a place, we will direct you to the Roundhouse youth programme for information on more creative activities and programmes.

I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD TO TAKE PART…

If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.

I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.