Overview

Young Designers is a 10-week course for young people aged 13-17, which runs twice each year on Tuesdays from 5-7pm.

Explore how designers bring theatre to life in our weekly introductory masterclasses! Guided by industry professionals, you’ll get hands-on experience in stage and scenic design, costume design, hair and make-up design, and work with elements of technical theatre.

This course will focus on design for live performance, and you’ll learn skills applicable to theatre, film, TV, live music, and other visual art forms. Sessions are led by our experienced Northern Stage team, and you’ll work alongside guest artists and creatives working professionally in the region.

You’ll work towards a mini exhibition at the end of the course to showcase your skills. No previous experience needed – just bring along your enthusiasm for creating!

The course runs twice each year and covers two different topics. Please note that the two terms are treated as separate courses, and you can take part in just one, or both!

September – December 2026: Set and Scenic Design
Learn the principles of building a world for a performance. Develop set ideas, create mood boards, build model boxes, try scenic painting and make props.

January – March 2027: Costume, hair and SFX makeup design.
Understand the principles of designing and sourcing costumes for performance. Develop costume ideas, create mood boards, observe demonstrations, experiment with different design techniques, build your own costumes, try your hand at special effects make up.

Fee information

The cost of the course varies depending on your circumstances. We have created a payment scale (see below) to help you identify which fee is appropriate for you. Fees cover the cost of the 10 sessions as well as tickets to selected performances at Northern Stage as part of the programme.

Fees are required to be paid in advance of starting the course and more information about how to do this will follow if you are successfully selected to take part.

Standard fee: £150 (If you have the means to pay for the full value of the course)
Discounted fee: £90 (If you do not have the means to pay for the full value of the course)

Bursary places: FREE*

*Bursary places are limited and bursary applications from young people from a low-socioeconomic background, from the global majority or with a disability will be prioritised, in line with Northern Stage’s strategic priorities. As part of a bursary place, we can also support with the cost of travelling to and from sessions.

To find out more and apply, click here.

Young Designers is kindly supported by the Gillian Dickinson Trust.