Greater Manchester’s Creative Producer Development Course (CPD) returns for 2026!
Following the success of our first Creative Producer Development course in 2024–25, we’re excited to be bringing the programme back for 2026.
Developed by Lowry, HOME and Z-arts, the course is designed to give early-career producers in Greater Manchester the structured training, networks and practical tools they need to thrive. For 2026, Company Chameleon joins the programme as a new partner, and Stage One returns for a second year.
Our pilot made clear just how essential this kind of development is — especially at a time when the sector faces a shortage of producers, and few accessible pathways exist for new and diverse talent to enter the field.
Independent producers are central to shaping bold, ambitious new work across the region. We want Greater Manchester to remain a place where producers can build sustainable, exciting and long-term careers.
If you’re an early-career producer with a passion for making live performance happen, this course is for you.
About CPD
This course supports early-career independent producers across Greater Manchester to build sustainable, confident and well-connected producing careers. Participants will explore the practical skills, creative thinking and sector knowledge needed to produce high-quality live performance – from theatre and dance to festivals, gigs, tours and interdisciplinary work.
Across 15 in-person sessions, led by experienced industry professionals, the course offers structured learning, hands-on workshops, critical discussion and ongoing mentoring.
Find Out More: Online Q&A Webinar
Wednesday 10 December 2025, 1:00pm–2:00pm (online)
Join Antonia Beck (Lowry), Davinia Jokhi (HOME), Isah-Levi Roach (Z-arts) and Sam Broadbent (Company Chameleon) for an overview of the course, who it’s for, and how to apply.
👉 Register for the webinar:
https://bit.ly/ProducerDevCourse
Course Schedule (March – September 2026)
Participants must be available for the full course schedule:
- Session 1 & 2: Saturday 7 March 2026 — 10:00am–4:00pm
- Session 3: Wednesday 25 March 2026 — 6:00pm–9:00pm
- Session 4 & 5: Saturday 18 April 2026 — 10:00am–4:00pm
- Session 6: Wednesday 29 April 2026 — 6:00pm–9:00pm
- Session 7 & 8: Saturday 16 May 2026 — 10:00am–4:00pm
- Session 9: Wednesday 27 May 2026 — 6:00pm–9:00pm
- Session 10 & 11: Monday 15 June 2026 — 10:00am–4:00pm
- Session 12: Wednesday 24 June 2026 — 6:00pm–9:00pm
- Session 13 & 14: Saturday 11 July 2026 — 10:00am–4:00pm
- Session 15: Wednesday 22 July 2026 — 6:00pm–9:00pm
- Evaluation Session: Saturday 12 September 2026 — 1:00pm–4:00pm
- Producer Social: Saturday 12 September 2026 — 6:00pm–10:00pm
Each workshop will take place at a partner venue.
We ask for full commitment to this schedule. If you already know that you’ll be unavailable for multiple dates, we recommend waiting for a future round so you can get the most out of the course. We understand that life happens, and missing one session is manageable but we expect the cohort to engage fully.
Who Is It For?
This course is designed for:
- Early-career independent/freelance producers with a passion for producing live performance or events
- Producers with at least two completed projects
- People living in Greater Manchester
- Applicants aged 18+
We are committed to encouraging diversity and intersectionality in the arts. We strongly welcome applications from people from underrepresented communities, including, but not limited to, applicants of all ages, disabled people, people with caring responsibilities, global majority artists, LGBTQIA+ producers, and those from lower socioeconomic or non-traditional educational backgrounds.
If you need access support to complete your application, please contact us.
What the Course Includes
- 15 training sessions delivered by industry professionals.
- A contribution to help with expenses.
- Access support can be provided for successful applicants, upon request.
- Tickets to see work at venues in Greater Manchester.
- Ongoing mentoring.
- A social event to support producers to meet artists and network with theatre makers.
If you have questions, please contact: Isah-Levi Roach, Artist Development Producer at Z-arts Email: isah@z-arts.org
Apply Now
You can apply using the link below:
Deadline: Monday 12 January 2026, 10:00am
