Sheffield Theatres are looking for a Making Room Observer to join the company of Dancing at Lughnasa throughout rehearsals.

Making Room Observer opportunities are for aspiring and early-career theatre creatives based locally to Sheffield Theatres who want to familiarise with professional rehearsal practice.

Who might benefit most from observing the process for Dancing at Lughnasa?

“We’re thrilled to offer this Making Room Observer opportunity as part of our production of Dancing at Lughnasa at the Crucible this autumn. Brian Friel’s play is a rich, lyrical work about memory, family, and struggle for self-expression.

The Making Room Observer opportunity offers a wonderful window into the collaborative process of theatre-making. It’s vital to us at Sheffield Theatres that we continue to open doors for artists at all stages of their careers, and I’m excited to welcome an observer into the rehearsal room to experience how this beautiful piece comes to life.

We are particularly keen to hear from artists who might be interested in writing for theatre. Brian Friel undertook an extraordinary residency early in his career learning at the Guthrie Theater (invited by Tyrone Guthrie). A theatre that was designed by the same people who designed our very own Crucible.”

- Elizabeth Newman, Director for Dancing at Lughnasa

Details

Making Room Observers will observe one day each week of rehearsal, and a two days of technical rehearsals. Making Room Observers are also invited to attend a preview show and opening night.

Fee

The Making Room Observer for Dancing at Lughnasa will receive a £350 fee to support their attendance and observation of the rehearsal process.

Timeline

• Applications are now open and will close at midnight on Sun 25 May 2025.
• Interviews will take place on Wed 4 June 2025. A final offer will be made by the end of June 2025.
• The rehearsal period begins on Mon 11 August 2025.
• Previews begin from Sat 13 September 2025.
• Opening Night will take place on Thu 18 September 2025.