Belgrade Ensemble 25/26

Applications open: Thu 3 Jul 2025

Applications close: Fri 12 Sep 2025 at 10am

Workshop auditions: Late Sep/early Oct 2025

Programme runs: Tue 21 Oct 2025 – Sat 1 Aug 2026

About the Programme

A Home for Potential. A Platform for New Voices. A Commitment to Local Talent.

The Belgrade Ensemble is a free, year-long creative programme for early-career performers aged 18–25 from Coventry and the surrounding region.

Launched in 2023, the Ensemble was created to provide a home for young people making their first steps into theatre. This is not a training course in the traditional sense – it’s a long-term investment in creative development, rooted in care, rigour, and the weekly commitment of showing up and making work together.

Now entering its third year, the 2025/26 Ensemble will work with professional artists to create and perform an original production, including a public performance at the Belgrade and the potential opportunity to perform at the For With By European Youth Theatre Festival in Hull (TBC).

Programme Structure

The programme runs across three terms, balancing skill-building with professional collaboration:

Term 1 – Build the Ensemble (Oct – Dec 2025)

Weekly sessions in acting, voice, movement, devising, and ensemble-making. You’ll explore creative tools, build trust, and develop your voice as a performer.

Term 2 – Develop the Work (Jan – Mar 2026)

You’ll collaborate with a professional team to begin shaping a brand-new production through workshops and rehearsals

Term 3 – Rehearse and Perform (Apr – Aug 2026)

You’ll enter a rehearsal process, culminating in a public performance at the Belgrade and potentially the For With By European Youth Theatre Festival in Hull.

Beyond the Ensemble

Being part of the Ensemble means joining the wider Belgrade artistic community. You’ll have access to:

· Tickets to shows at the Belgrade

· Sessions with visiting artists

· Opportunities to audition or collaborate with us in the future

Previous Ensemble members have gone on to drama school, joined professional shows, or returned to work with the Belgrade on new projects. But above all, this programme is about confidence, connection and craft – to help you find your own way forwards.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re not looking for polished performers – we’re looking for people with potential. We are looking for people that:

· Are aged 18–25

· Are based in Coventry or nearby

· Have potential for growth and show willingness to invest in themselves

· Are curious, committed, and eager to collaborate

· Are from a background underrepresented in the arts and/or have not had access to formal higher education.

If you fit this criteria, then we’d love to hear from you.

You don’t need a showreel, a portfolio, or a degree – just the spark. We’ll help light the fire.

How to Apply

Applications close on Fri 12 Sep at 10am. Selected applicants will be invited to attend a group workshop audition in late September/early October.

To apply fill in the short and simple application form here. You will be prompted to sign in or set up a Google account to access the form. Please refer to the following to preview the application questions before applying.

Belgrade Ensemble 25&26 – Application Form Questions

If you have any problems filling out the application form, or would like to apply in a different way, please email the Producing team at: communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk or call 024 7625 6431.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the following FAQ sheet if you have any questions or need any guidance on your application.

Belgrade Ensemble 25/26 – Frequently Asked Questions