Opening Doors

Opening Doors is Next Door But One's artist development programme, designed to support performing arts practitioners at every stage of their creative journey.

Whether you're taking your first steps into the industry, exploring a new area of practice, developing an existing skillset, or looking to connect with fellow creatives, Opening Doors provides opportunities to learn, experiment, and grow within a supportive artistic community.

Through workshops, masterclasses, networking events and professional development opportunities, the programme brings together artists, makers, technicians, producers and performers from across the region to share knowledge, build confidence and strengthen creative practice.

Learning Through Practice

At the heart of Opening Doors is a belief that the best learning happens through doing.

The programme offers practical, hands-on experiences led by industry professionals, creating opportunities to explore new ideas, develop skills and gain insight into different areas of the performing arts sector.

Sessions have explored a wide range of creative and technical disciplines, including performance, directing, writing, design, production, facilitation, theatre-making, career development and creative leadership.

By creating space for experimentation, curiosity and creative risk-taking, Opening Doors encourages artists to step outside their comfort zones, discover new approaches and develop their practice alongside their peers.

Recent Impact

Opening Doors continues to make a meaningful difference to artists and creative practitioners across the region.

IN OUR MOST RECENT PROGRAMME:

  • 90% agreed or strongly agreed that they knew how they would apply what they had learned to their career or personal development
  • 80% of participants rated workshops 5 out of 5 and 20% rated workshops 4 out of 5
  • 71% said they developed an existing skill or area of interest
  • 61% reported increased confidence in their abilities
  • 50% made new connections with fellow artists

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAID

  • "I try to come to as many of these workshops as I can, as I know I will always leave inspired."
  • "This has made me quite emotional. I'm neurodivergent so always convinced myself that the business side of theatre just isn't for me. This workshop has made me think the work that I want to make is actually doable."
  • "I've worked in theatre for 20 years and nobody has made the inner workings of running a theatre company this clear to me before."
  • "I feel like I've learned something completely new. And I feel all full and fizzy from that."
  • "I was so nervous about coming that I almost didn't. But as soon as I came in it was so welcoming."
  • "This whole programme is amazing. I can't quite get over how many workshops I've been able to sign up for, and I still can't quite get over that they're free!"

Get Involved

Opening Doors starts by consulting performing arts professionals on gaps in their development and what opportunities they want access to locally.

Keep an eye on this page and our social media channels for the Expression of Interest, future workshops, events and opportunities to get involved.