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Homegrown is Nottingham Playhouse’s pre-professional theatre artist programme, designed to support young adults who are keen to work professionally in the theatre industry.

What is Homegrown Performers 2026?

A professional rehearsal process leading up to a Studio theatre performance in July. Following a weekly rehearsal schedule, you will be offered professional direction at Nottingham Playhouse.

You will also have access to:
• 1-2-1 meetings with industry experts.
• Production photographs.
• Discounted access to wider participation programme*
*Playhouse Insights, Masterclasses, other opportunities where available.

Who is Homegrown Performers for?

You must be aged 18 – 30, hard working and passionate about performing in theatre.
Whether you are leaving further education and wanting to gain experience of a professional rehearsal and performance process directed by practising artists, returning from drama school or university and wanting to build professional relationships whilst gaining acting credits, or if you are considering a career in performance and want to explore this in an inclusive and welcoming environment, Homegrown could be for you.

Testimonials from previous Homegrown participants

Alec Boaden, who performed his first professional stage role in James Graham’s Punch at Nottingham Playhouse, at the Young Vic and in the West End, is an alumni of Homegrown, and said:

“In terms of professional development, it was massively useful to meet real directors and writers and try to understand their ideologies. If you can do that in a rehearsal room, it allows you to open up to new ways of working and not be pigeon-holed. It taught me to genuinely be myself.”

How to apply

To participate, you will be asked to go through an audition process. The criteria we will be assessing each applicant will be given to you in advance.

To apply for an audition, please send an email explaining why you would be a good person to join Homegrown Performers. You might explain why you want to be part of the programme, what experience you have that will help you make the most of your time with Homegrown and a description of the work you want to explore in the arts. This should be no longer than 400 words. Send this to participation@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk.

Audition dates are scheduled for Tue 17 February and Tue 3 March.