Professional Development

At Next Door But One we've always prided ourselves on being a place where local creatives can 'hang their hat'. Being a performing arts professional can often be confusing, hard work, ever-fluctuating and sometimes quite lonely. We've always done our best to combat this.

As with the rest of our programme, our professional development work has come as a direct response to requests from the local performing arts community.

  • Opening Doors - this is our annual programme of professional development workshops designed through a consultation with local creatives to identify gaps in opportunity. These include workshops on acting, directing, writing and dramaturgy as well as workshops on fundraising, marketing, access, touring and producing. The latest programme can be seen HERE.
  • Yorkshire Trios - this is our offer of micro-commissions to support local actors, writers and directors to work together to produce work that is representative and celebratory of their practice. Further information on this can be found HERE.
  • Creative 1:1s - we offer monthly, bookable 1:1s to support local creatives with advice and signposting on acute areas of their career development. This can include looking over an application, reviewing C.Vs, identifying opportunities to showcase work and much much more.
  • Company Coaching - we believe the arts is a better place when we work together, and therefore we have supported local emerging theatre companies to develop their work and take their next steps in growing what they do. Recently this has included supporting the tour of Thunk-It Theatre's most ambitious tour, and guiding Clown Space CIC to develop its mission, vision and values and secure their first Arts Council England funding to R&D a new children's show.

Impact from 2024-2025:

  • 100% gave us 4/5 or 5/5 for meeting or exceeding their needs and expectations.
  • 64% developed a new skill.
  • 79% gained new connections/network.
  • 73% gained insight into the 'business side' of theatre and increased confidence in maintaining/developing a career in theatre.

Honestly the support NDB1 have given me has been transformational. Thank you for always being there and helping us emerging creatives learn, develop, get things wrong and celebrate. Forever grateful.