Training

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China Plate’s development programmes offer artists and practitioners wide-ranging opportunities to develop productions, innovate their professional and creative practice and extend their industry networks.

Our programme of work includes The Optimists – our core producer training course, which offers an introduction to the craft of producing in a professional context, providing skills, knowledge, and networks to build a sustainable career in theatre and the wider arts sector.

Opportunities are available for early-career producers, emerging creatives, and those without a formal arts background who are actively creating work in their communities, such as People-Focused Producing – a free programme of one-off training sessions.

Both programmes equip participants with essential skills in topics such as fundraising, budget management, developing sustainable partnerships, developing strategic thinking, marketing, and evaluation. Our programmes are values-led, inclusive, and designed to empower participants to take agency over their practice and careers.

Photo © Hayley Salter

A group of young women, all of them look directly at the camera, two are standing and two are seated.

“The Optimists was more than I imagined. I didn’t expect to learn all that I learnt and to leave with a clearer vision compared to when I walked in. The positivity in the room was contagious which made me leave the sessions inspired and ready to work on my own adventures. Thank you for helping me learn and develop myself as an artist and as a producer.” – Optimists Alumni 2024

Visit our Young Producers page for training opportunities for 16-22 year olds, alongside RISE – an online careers event for early career and emerging creatives aged 18+.

For more information, please contact our Training & Development Producer Kristina Hall on [email protected]

Photo © Maisarra Margubal

Find out more...

People-Focused Producing

An ongoing programme of free, one-off training sessions for creatives and producers, each looking at a specific aspect of making creative projects happen. It’s for anyone that is interested in developing a sustainable producing practice by learning new skills, refining prior skillsets, or up-skilling.

View page People-Focused Producing

Young Producers

A free training opportunity for Coventry-based 16-22 year olds to find out more about making art happen.

View page Young Producers

The Optimists

A training opportunity for emerging artists, creative practitioners and aspiring producers, providing a vital introduction to the craft of making work in a professional context & building your professional network.

View page The Optimists

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A group of people sitting in a semi-circle listening to a man in a clock sitting on a stool.

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A group of people, sitting in a semi circle of chairs, listening to a speaker.