work with us
General Guidance for Applicants
VOLUNTEERS
Punchdrunk actively encourages volunteering as a means to learn new skills, gain useful experience and meet people. We hope that volunteering with us will be inspiring, creatively satisfying and fun.
There are numerous opportunities to get involved in the making and presentation of the company's work, whatever your interests and personal circumstances. This might be in assisting in the design and construction of the sets, props and costumes for a show, or by acting as a steward during performances. Volunteers are not paid and we can be flexible with individual availability. In most cases we aim to provide a small contribution towards daily travel expenses. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 to work with us.
The best way to hear about forthcoming volunteering opportunities is to join Punchdrunk's volunteer database. Your details will be kept on record and we will automatically alert you by email whenever we are looking for volunteers. Please note that your personal details will remain confidential to Punchdrunk and we will never share them with third parties unless you give us permission to do so.
Please submit your details via the Volunteer Enquiry Form.
PERFORMERS
Generally, auditions for performers are held by invitation only for each production as occasion arises. Dancers in particular are usually expected to have at least three years professional experience in order to qualify for audition. Calls for dancers and actors are made here on the website as well as through industry channels such as Equity Job Information Service and Arts Council England's Arts Jobs mailing service. While we cannot guarantee to attend performances of work, performers are welcome to keep us informed of appearances by email or post.
Alternatively, book your place onto a Punchdrunk Performance Masterclass this autumn.
DESIGNERS
Punchdrunk works with both experienced and emerging design artists who are excited by the variety and specialisms of design installation and scenography. The work incorporates design skills across the spectrum of construction, props, scenic painting, set dressing and costume. Recruitment for designers is advertised here on the website as well as through the usual industry channels.
You can also apply to attend a Weekend Design Masterclass with Punchdrunk or a 1 Day Design Masterclass this autumn.
STAGE MANAGEMENT, LIGHTNING AND SOUND TECHNICIANS
Punchdrunk's work offers challenging, creatively satisfying opportunities for crew members with expertise and enthusiasm for stage management, lighting, sound and special effects. Productions generally entail a demanding level of site logistics and rigging. Prospective crew members are usually invited for interview as occasion arises. Recruitment for production and performance staff is advertised here on the website as well as through the usual industry channels.
INTERNSHIPS AND WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES
From time to time, Punchdrunk is able to offer temporary opportunities to gain practical experience in most aspects of our work, including administration, producing, project management, marketing and enrichment (education, participation and outreach). Punchdrunk values internships and work experience as a partnership of shared interests. Activity takes place both at the company office and in the field, depending on the company's programme at the time. Opportunities last for a minimum of two weeks to a maximum of three months.
Opportunities to undertake internships with Punchdrunk are in very high demand. We advise prospective applicants to give at least three months notice of desired commencement date. In your letter you should tell us why you are attracted to Punchdrunk and enclose a CV that details relevant interests, training, qualifications, skills and experience.
You can submit a CV to enrichment@punchdrunk.org.uk and your information will be kept on file for reference.
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
If you are interested in working with the company in the future, please email or post your CV with a cover letter telling us what attracts you to Punchdrunk's work and we will keep your details on file for future reference.
You can submit a CV to punchdrunk@punchdrunk.org.uk and your information will be kept on file for reference.
We regret that we are not able to extend these opportunities to anyone under the age of 18.
Please do not send bulky email attachments as they will not be stored. All applications will be acknowledged and we will contact you if we would like to make an appointment.