A new apprenticeship programme for technical theatre professionals has been launched to address a shortage in the sector.
The inaugural Regional Theatre Technical Apprenticeship Programme has been initiated by the Mackintosh Foundation in partnership with 13 venues across the UK.
It aims to offer young people a "stepping-stone into the theatre industry" and support the "next generation of technical theatre professionals".
The foundation is funding an apprenticeship at each venue, and applicants can apply through each participating venue's website.
Theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh said: “I started my career sweeping the stage of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and have worked in nearly every department in the theatre from backstage to marketing – except the wardrobe, as my sewing wasn’t good enough!
"Learning how all the elements of a show are put together has been key to my long career as a producer.”
The 13 venues taking part include Bristol Old Vic, Birmingham Hippodrome, Edinburgh Lyceum Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Clwyd.