Are any of your students interested in working in a theatre?
Polka will be back running our extremely popular Work Experience Week from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July 2025.
We work with a group of 20 students from school years 11 & 12. The group will spend time with all departments at Polka including production, marketing, fundraising, creative learning and visitor services. They will learn about how we make theatre for children, and experience how an arts organisation is run.
As part of the week all students will get to see our current productions, take part in practical workshops and present a production pitch to the Polka team.
“I’ve learnt about so many roles in theatre I didn’t know even existed before this!” – Work Experience Student, 2024
Applications for Work Experience Week 2025 are open now. See below for more information and how to apply.
How to apply
Every year, we receive a high volume of applications for our Work Experience programme. As such, we would love to learn more about you, and why you want to take part in our Work Experience week.
Step 1: Fill in and submit an application form or video/audio application by 9am on Friday 14 March 2025. You can find links to the respective forms below.
Step 2: Attend a Meet and Greet Day at Polka Theatre on either Saturday 12 April or Wednesday 16 April. This is a chance for us to meet you, and for you to get a feel for Work Experience at Polka.
Please note that we will be inviting all prospective candidates, and attendance at a Meet and Greet Day does not guarantee you a place on Polka’s Work Experience Week.
Step 3: All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 2 May 2025.
Who can apply?
Work Experience is open to anyone in School Years 11 and 12.
We particularly support our local secondary schools in placing their students for work experience, and because of this priority is given to students who live or study in Merton, Wandsworth or Croydon.
What should I put in my application?
On the application form, you will be asked a series of questions designed to help us get to know you.
As there is a large demand for placements at Polka we highly recommend that relevant experience is clearly stated in the application form, along with what you would hope to gain from a placement.
Remember, Work Experience at Polka runs across multiple departments, so it’s important you demonstrate an interest in the wider world of theatre, not just in acting.
As part of the application form, you will be asked to answer the following questions, for which you may wish to prepare answers:
- What are you hoping to do once you leave school/college/education?
- What extra-curricular activities do you take part in?
- Tell us about your hobbies and interests. (100 – 200 words)
- What do you hope to gain from Polka Theatre’s Work Experience? (200 – 300 words)
I’m having trouble completing my application. What should I do?
If you require information in a different format, you want to apply over the phone, or just need some help, please contact Lizzie, Schools Manager, on [email protected], or call 020 8545 8362
When will I hear back about my application?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 2 May 2025.
“This week has made me feel like theatre is an attainable career route when it was a bit daunting before. I wish there were more theatres like Polka” – Work Experience Student, 2024
Please note, unfortunately, we are unable to offer work placements outside of the dates above.
Other opportunities for students
PolkaGrads
We have just launched our PolkaGrads scheme!
For those aged 12+ who want to share their voice on all things theatre. Opportunities include attending research & development sessions for our productions, reviewing shows, meeting casts and creative teams and attending Polka’s Board meetings.
For more information, check out the link below or email Jemima.
Volunteering
Over the age of 16 and want to get involved at Polka? Why not join our fantastic and friendly team of volunteers!
As a registered charity we can’t operate without volunteers and we’re always looking for new people to join or team. For more information of the scheme and to apply, check out the volunteering webpage below.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on [email protected].