“I feel like I am leaving with a solid network of creatives as well as a close group of friends”
I have an appreciation for the creative/technical side of theatre which I haven’t been so closely exposed to before.”
“I have a newfound respect for myself, able to work well under pressure and able to achieve more than I thought I would”
Aged 18 – 25 and want to get paid, hands-on experience in a professional theatre production?
Want to develop your skills in acting, writing, directing, design (stage, lighting, sound) and stage management?
Do you want to create or star in a show led by award winning theatre makers of South Asian and Global Majority heritage?
WHAT IS IT?
Tara Young Company is a paid programme for 18 – 25 year-olds to develop as theatre makers. The Tara Young Company was conceptualised and launched by Artistic Director Natasha Kathi-Chandra in 2022.
Here’s a look at some of our previous shows:
WHO IS IT FOR?
We want to hear from all skillsets – you could be an actor, writer, director, designer or stage manager. You should be between the ages of 18 – 25 when applying. We are particularly interested in hearing from those who are a part of the Global Majority, neurodivergent, d/Deaf, disabled, part of the LGBTQ+ community, those from low-income households, as well as people from a diverse range of faiths and religious practices with a particular interest in those practising Islam.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
As Tara Theatre approaches its landmark 50th year anniversary, we’re recognising and celebrating the rich history and vast tapestry of stories that have built British theatre and we are dedicated to revisiting the existing South Asian canon of work.
Tara Theatre is a space where politics, performance and activism come together. As an organisation dedicated to promoting social change through art and co-creation, this year’s Young Company production will use playwright Atiha Sen Gupta’s critically acclaimed piece What Fatima Did to explore attitudes to identity, religion, freedom and multiculturalism in contemporary London.
WHAT WILL I RECEIVE?
Over a 4-month programme, you’ll have the opportunity to work with industry professionals and artists to develop your skills and build your networks. You will be working on a show inspired and adapted from award- winning playwright Atiha Sen Gupta’s What Fatima Did for our stage here at Tara Theatre in April 2026 directed by JMK award winner, Adam Karim
A total of 11 successful Young Company applicants will also be paid a fee of £900 for the rehearsal, tech and performance period, making this a professional stage credit.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Simply fill out the form with your responses below and our team will be in touch to arrange an informal audition workshop. Every applicant will be invited to attend an audition workshop.
(Before applying please also ensure you are available for the weekly skill-building workshops, performance and rehearsal dates listed below)
KEY DATES
APPLICATIONS
Applications Opened: Tue 21 Oct 2025
Applications Closed: 11:59PM, Mon 10 Nov 2025
AUDITION WORKSHOPS
Wed 3 Dec & Thur 4 Dec 2025 (TBC)
Mon 8 Dec & Tue 9 Dec 2025
Tara Theatre
356 Garratt Lane
Earlsfield
London, SW18 4ES
(Times TBC. All workshops will take place in the evenings)
SKILL BUILDING WORKSHOPS WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Wednesdays, 6.30PM – 8.30PM
6:30PM – 8:30PM, Wed 7 Jan 2026
6:30PM – 8:30PM, Wed 14 Jan 2026
6:30PM – 8:30PM, Wed 21 Jan 2026
6:30PM – 8:30PM, Wed 28 Jan 2026
6:30PM – 8:30PM, Wed 4 Feb 2026
6:30PM – 8:30PM, Wed 11 Feb 2026
Following these workshops a company of 11 will be chosen to form our Young Company for our stage show.
WEEKLY REHEARSAL & SHOW CREATION WITH DIRECTOR AND PRODUCTION TEAM
Wednesdays, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
6:30PM – 9:30PM, Wed 25 Feb 2026
6:30PM – 9:30PM, Wed 4 Mar 2026
6:30PM – 9:30PM, Wed 11 Mar 2026
6:30PM – 9:30PM, Wed 18 Mar 2026
6:30PM – 9:30PM, Wed 25 Mar 2026
6:30PM – 9:30PM, Wed 1 Apr 2026
INTENSIVE REHEARSAL, TECH, SHOW WEEKS
Mon 6 Apr – Mon 13 Apr 2026 (excluding 12th April 2026)
Times: 10am-6pm (times may vary for tech days)
Tech/Dress + Preview performance: Tue 14 Apr 2026
Performances: Wed 15 – Sat 18 April 2026 (matinee and evening performances on 18 April 2025) – 6 performances in total
FEES
Tara Theatre is committed to paying their artists. All members of the final Young Company will be paid a total fee of £900 for the rehearsal, tech and show weeks.
Questions? Email Gavin Joseph, Associate Director on gavin@taratheatre.com
Tara Young Company is generously supported by
29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, the Noël Coward Foundation and Arts Council England
