The Octagon Theatre

Our Talent Development & Artist Support programme is designed to help people discover, develop and sustain creative careers here in Somerset and the South West.

The Creative Industries is a fast-growing sector that has become essential to the UK economy. Job opportunities are far broader than performing alone, encompassing technical backstage roles, programming, production, marketing, events, venue operations, arts education, management, and finance. We believe creative skills are vital to nurture a dynamic and innovative workforce across all areas of employment.

We offer a range of programmes that promote creative careers and pathways into the industry, with space for young people, emerging and established creatives to develop their creative skills and help take their art to the next level.

Whether you’ve just started out or been around the block more times than you care to admit, we’re here to support you.

 Octagon & Westlands Work Experience Programme

Our work experience programme aims to offer an overview of all aspects of the operation of both our venues (The Octagon and Westlands). You can expect to spend time with our Arts Engagement & Outreach, Programming, Box Office, Front of House, Marketing, Finance, Events and Technical teams. Over the week participants will take part in a series of challenges as set by each department, working together as a team, and at the end of the week will showcase what they have learned.

We hold two work experience weeks each year, with one programme open to Yr10 students (ages 14-15) and the second programme open to Yr12 & 13 students (ages 16 - 19).

Dates for 2027
Mon 5 - Fri 9 April for Year 12 & 13 students
Mon 5 - Fri 9 July for Year 10 students

Applications for our 2027 work experience programme will open in autumn 2026.  

To register your interest in our future work experience programmes please complete the online expression of interest form, we will then be in touch once applications for our work experience programmes reopen. Alternatively keep an eye on our social media and website - we will make announcements here to notify when applications are open for our work experience programme.

For further information on our work experience programmes including how to apply: Discover More.

Inside Creative Careers Events

Careers events for students to immerse themselves in a regional theatre environment at Westlands Entertainment Venue and give participants practical insight into different careers in the performing arts industry.   Hands-on sessions learning about the range of roles required for taking work from page to stage including Technical (Lighting, Sound & Stage Management), Directing, Producing and Marketing, guided by our in-house team.

Sessions run throughout the year for Key Stage 3 groups. Please enquire about dates and availability by emailing OctagonOutreach@somerset.gov.uk

Career Talks

Career Talks are on offer for schools and colleges looking to inform their students of opportunities, roles and positions within the creative industries. These talks focus on highlighting career prospects in the theatre industry, of the variety of roles other than performing, and next steps for exploring interests and a career pathway within the creative industries. We will leave giving students a toolkit of possibilities and identifying ways in which they can engage with our venues.

Our tailored career talks and workshops are suitable for Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Colleges.

If you lead a course or are a teacher who thinks your school or year group might benefit from a talk, please get in touch by emailing OctagonOutreach@somerset.gov.uk

Masterclasses

Our series of masterclasses are professional skill workshops designed to support artists upkeep and develop skills and talents. Throughout the year we offer multiple masterclasses that offer a range of opportunities across different art forms. These masterclasses are led by leading professionals, west-end performers and world-class practitioners.

For upcoming masterclasses check our website here: Masterclasses

Celebrating Somerset’s Creatives

Our series of vlogs and blogs celebrate and champion the various creative careers and practitioners within the industry whilst celebrating our local talent here in the heart of Somerset.  To take you behind the scenes of working in a diverse range of creative industries from theatre, art, dance and other forms of creative expression. Our vlogs and blogs offer an opportunity to gain insight into the multitude of job roles and creative pathways from the perspective of a variety of employers here at Westlands and beyond, interviewing a range of talented creative practitioners and their journey and advice for their industry. 

Watch our series of vlogs over on The Octagon and Westlands YouTube Channel now!

Read our series of blogs on our website here: Celebrating Somerset's Creative & Cultural Practitioners Blogs

1:1 Mentoring and Support

Dedicated time with our Arts Engagement & Outreach Officers, to talk through your professional, project or company development plans.  Perhaps you are a recent graduate or student interested in developing your career in the South West and looking for opportunities to develop your understanding of the industry, expand your experience, or guidance writing your CV or cover letter. Perhaps you need a critical friend on a funding application, some advice on who to speak to about moving your ideas forward or simply a chat about your hopes, dreams & ambitions.

We are happy to have conversations to see how we can support you in your development and find opportunities for passionate and committed individuals to shadow our team and volunteer on projects and events alongside us.

If you are looking for mentoring and career development support, please contact our Arts Engagement & Outreach Team: OctagonOutreach@somerset.gov.uk

We don’t promise to have all the answers, but we will help you try to find them. 

 A Place to Work

We are open to expressions of interest from local artists and practitioners who make professional non-commercial work, to use of our spaces free of charge, subject to availability. Utilising our spaces is a great way to research and develop ideas, collaborate and be supported in a cultural venue environment.

Our Lounge Bar at Westlands Entertainment Venue is a great spot to read, write, draw, plan, send emails, complete admin tasks, have meetings and dream big. Open Monday – Saturday from 10am each day, just turn up. The WiFi and parking is free and the coffee is delicious. There’s lots of airy space and comfy sofas if you get here early enough too.

Our Studio at Westlands Entertainment Venue is perfect for R&D, rehearsal, informal sharing’s and individual use to develop new or existing work on short to medium term use.

You can find information about this offer, including eligibility, here.

To request time in our Studio space at Westlands, email: OctagonOutreach@somerset.gov.uk

Performing Artist Support in Somerset

We have teamed up with several organisations and companies offering Artist Support in Somerset, to give artists a better understanding of and to highlight the resources and opportunities on offer across Somerset.

We’re really pleased to let you know that the Venues South West - Routes In resource is now live. This is live database that allows you to view the programming requirement and contact details of venues near you across the South West.