PAID APPRENTICE CALL-OUT
A paid opportunity for a young professional or recent graduate.
Northern Rascals is recruiting a Creative Apprentice to join the R&D of Coiners, a new dance-theatre project inspired by the legend of the Cragg Vale Coiners.
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In the 18th century, a group of local people in Cragg Vale (near Mytholmroyd) became infamous for secretly clipping coins and melting the shavings to create counterfeit coins, which they then circulated. The gang was led by the local legend “King” David Hartley. Their story of resistance and community survival has become a fascinating chapter of Calderdale’s history - and the inspiration for this project!
About the opportunity
We recognise that different emerging artists need different things, so instead of prescribing the role, we’re asking you to pitch the version of the apprenticeship you’d thrive in.
You might be:
a dancer wanting to step into professional devising processes,
an emerging choreographer eager to shadow movement creation and lead small tasks,
an emerging producer wanting hands-on experience in planning, partnership work and project delivery,
or someone who holds more than one identity - someone who dances, creates, organises, thinks, and wants to grow in multiple directions.
We’re looking for someone who is:
curious, collaborative and open,
committed to working with real stories from communities,
excited by Northern identity, folklore and movement,
ready to co-design the apprenticeship around their strengths and needs.
What we can offer
A paid apprenticeship for the R&D period (Feb - May 2026, the timing is flexible based on your interests)
A fee of £1,500; we expect this to be broken down into 10 days at £150 per day over the project duration
Time in the studio during key creation points - depending on your proposal
Shadowing opportunities with the artistic team (Anna, Sam & collaborators)
Experience in community engagement, workshop environments and participatory practice
Producing insight: planning, logistics, research, creative producing
Mentoring and support tailored to your goals
A nurturing environment to develop your voice, creativity and confidence
What to include in your pitch
Send us:
A short bio (written, video or audio file) about you and your practice
Details of your ideal apprenticeship - what would you learn, do, observe or create? Write up to 1 A4 page.
Up to 100 words on where you’re heading in your artistic/creative career
Any access needs, or cultural considerations; let us know if you need support or flexibility in any areas of your work
Your CV or summary of experience (formal training not required)
Who we especially welcome
Applications from people who:
identify as working-class,
are from Calderdale / West Yorkshire / North of England,
have faced barriers to accessing the arts,
are underrepresented in dance, theatre or producing.
How to apply
Email your pitch to: northernrascals@gmail.com
Deadline: Friday 16 January at 12 noon.
We can’t wait to hear from you!