Training and Performance Programme Emerging Artists

Diverse City are currently looking for five young actor/musicians (aged 18-30) to help us to create our new show,
The Other Life I Lead
.

This show is part of a structured professional development programme for early-career performers.

You’ll don’t need formal training —we’re interested in you, your skills, and your point of view.

You will work in a small group to develop advanced performance, musicianship and devising skills. The programme includes performances at national venues and festivals, providing vital professional stage experience.

Travel, accommodation and access support costs will be covered.

In particular, we’re looking to find performers who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or disabled to lead this show.

Please note that this is an unpaid, career development opportunity for early-career artists. Participation is voluntary.

The Other Life I Lead is a high-energy piece of gig-theatre that explores identity, belonging and the versions of ourselves we’re taught to keep quiet.

Set in a small seaside town, the show follows a group of young people caught between staying put and stepping out. Through live music, storytelling and raw performance, they wrestle with who they are, who they’re expected to be, and what it takes to live out loud.

Part gig, part confession, part coming-of-age howl, The Other Life I Lead blends punk-rock grit, pop ballads and acoustic storytelling into a fiercely joyful celebration of queer and disabled lives.

Actor/musicians (aged 18-30) who are keen to push their skills further and gain professional performance experience and who feel a connection to the character descriptions below.

We particularly welcome applications from performers whose lived experience reflects the character descriptions.

• RED – the leader of the band, a strong vocalist and guitar player (both electric and acoustic). Red is a queer person in their 20s navigating coming out. Red carries the narrative of the show through poetic spoken word and song.
• SUN – a strong dancer in their 20s, and a close friend to Red. Sun is Learning Disabled, joyful, expressive and determined. Although it is not a requirement, if you also play a musical instrument, that’s very welcome.
• SEASON – plays more than one instrument in the band. Season is queer, in their 20s, out and proud, a leader within their community. Season could be played by a drag artist, a trans or gay performer: lived experience would be valued in this role.
• JADE – plays more than one instrument in the band. Jade is neurodivergent and is experienced at masking to fit in. Jade is a childhood friend to Red and Sun. Lived experience would be valued in this role.
• SKY – plays more than one instrument in the band. Sky is queer, confident but vulnerable. Sky uses code switching as a survival tool for moving between social worlds. They fall in love with Red. Lived experience would be valued in this role.

• 20–22 May 2026 | Birmingham (Residency)
• 20–24 July 2026 | Poole Lighthouse (Rehearsal week)
• 26–31 July 2026 | Hull (Festival presentation)
• 6–9 September 2026 | Dorset (Festival performance, subject to confirmation)

There is also a showcase of upcoming work on 12 June 2026 in London, but not all performers are required to attend.

There is a lot more information about this opportunity on our website.  to view.

If you have any questions about your application, please contact the director, Eilís Davis:
Ei