Industry Crash Course
Work Experience in Theatre and the Performing Arts
Step inside the real world of ATYP, Australia’s flagship youth theatre company, and experience how the creative industries work from rehearsal room to boardroom.
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2026 Program Dates
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Designed for students in Year 10–11 with a passion for creativity, storytelling and production, ATYP’s Industry Crash Course offers practical, hands-on work experience inside a professional theatre company. Across one intensive week, participants rotate through workshops and sessions led by ATYP’s artistic, technical and producing teams, meeting directors, actors, designers, producers, stage managers, technicians and marketing specialists who shape contemporary Australian theatre.
This year’s program also includes exclusive behind-the-scenes access to live productions, giving participants the chance to see a real show in performance at ATYP, visit the technical rehearsal of Saplings at the Sydney Opera House, and attend a performance during the week, building an understanding of how theatre moves from rehearsal room to stage.
By the end of the week, you’ll have developed new skills, industry connections and a clearer sense of how to turn your interest in the performing arts into a real career pathway.
Why take part in this program
Hands-on, practical experience
Gain genuine theatre work experience across acting, directing, producing, design and production. This program offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how professional theatre and arts organisations operate..
Receive mentorship and career guidance from artists and arts workers currently working in the field. Build your network and ask real questions about pathways into production, marketing, stage management and arts administration.
Finish the week with stronger collaboration, communication and creative problem-solving skills – plus a first-hand understanding of creative leadership and how your strengths might fit into the industry.
The highlight of the YAB calendar is YABFest – an annual showcase that celebrates new work created, curated and performed by YAB members.
Held in The Rebel Theatre, YABFest transforms ATYP’s flagship stage into a vibrant celebration of youth-driven creativity. Over one thrilling night, YAB members present an evening of short performances, readings, and experiments in form — showcasing the diversity, energy and insight of young Australian artists.
Tickets will go on sale in September 2026, so make sure you sign up to our mailing list to be first in line!
Got a question?
Australian Theatre for Young People thanks you for considering us for your next event. By hiring our venues, you support us in bringing theatre into the lives of young people around Australia, supporting emerging artists and staging productions by and for young people touching on the issues which impact them.
To make a venue enquiry, please complete our booking form or call a team member on (02) 9270 2400.