Media Academy is back - and bigger than ever!
Our free digital storytelling programme has been completely reimagined for 2026/27. Now running for a full nine months from October to July, with a brand-new structure, cross-over sessions with our Belgrade Ensemble group, and a showcase as part of our See It First Festival this is the most ambitious Media Academy yet.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a podcast enthusiast, a photography hobbyist or someone who’s never touched a camera but loves a good story – this free programme, led by industry professionals, is built to take you further than ever before.
What’s new this year?
- Two brand new strands — audio storytelling and photography — alongside scriptwriting, directing, and videography,
- Multiple portfolio pieces created across the year,
- Cross-over sessions with Belgrade Ensemble,
- A showcase that forms part of our See It First programme for 2027.
What’s the Media Academy all about?
Across three terms, you’ll develop real skills across the full range of digital storytelling, from first idea to finished piece. You’ll learn how to:
- Develop ideas from concept to completion across photography, audio, and screen,
- Use industry-standard cameras, recording equipment, and editing tools,
- Write, direct, and produce your own work,
- Work solo and collaboratively on creative projects,
- Tell stories that connect, entertain and inspire
By the end of the year, you’ll have multiple finished pieces for your portfolio, like examples here from our previous cohorts, plus practical insights into the world of freelancing, media careers and digital content production.
What else could you get involved in?
As a participant, you may have the chance to:
- Shadow a professional film set,
- Work alongside Belgrade Ensemble – our group of emerging actors – on creative projects,
- Interview artists from Belgrade Theatre’s current productions,
- Take over the Belgrade’s social media for a day,
- Join research and development sessions for upcoming shows,
- Meet the theatre’s Artistic Director Corey Campbell.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is for you if:
- You’re aged 18+,
- You’re based in Coventry or the Midlands and can attend weekly sessions,
- You’ve got a spark of interest in digital content – even if you’ve never done it before,
- You want to try something new, grow your skills, and meet like-minded creatives.
We especially welcome applications from people currently underrepresented in digital media spaces – including D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent and global majority creatives.
The details
Starts: Tuesday 7 October 2026
Sessions: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 9.30pm
Location: Belgrade’s ‘The Jag’, Coventry
Cost: Absolutely free!
How to apply
Applications are now open!
Deadline to apply: Friday 11 September 2026, 10am
Interviews: Week beginning 21 September 2026
Apply using the online form here.
Or, if you prefer, you can submit a video instead (max 5 mins) – just film yourself answering the application questions (be as creative as you like!) and send it to getintouch@belgrade.co.uk with ‘Media Academy Application – [your name]’ in the subject line.
Access and support
We’re committed to making the Academy accessible to everyone. If you have any access needs, medical conditions or anything else you’d like us to be aware of, let us know on the application form and we’ll be in touch to chat through how we can best support you.
Here’s what previous participants had to say about Digital Media Academy
“My experience at digital media academy was exactly what I needed to motivate me back into creating and gave me the confidence to try something new.”
” [Media Academy] was a supportive and collaborative space, that allowed me to grow alongside like-minded creatives.”
” I’m so grateful that something like this exists for free, especially if you’re not sure about a career shift.”
” It allowed my creative juices to flow beautifully. It set me up to do more short film projects with people, something I never expected. I feel like I’ve pushed my creative boundaries in ways I never expected.”
