Rochdale Young Producers

Over three months, you'll receive training, mentoring and support, while working as part of a team to plan and deliver a live show.

You'll learn from artists, promoters, marketers, technicians, venue managers and producers, and connect with other young people who share your passion for music and culture.

You'll gain experience in:

• Booking artists, budgeting and managing contracts
• Working collaboratively and taking on different production roles
• Branding, marketing and audience engagement
• Event logistics, safety and accessibility
• Pre-production planning and working with venue teams

By the end of the programme, you'll have new practical experience, industry connections and a deeper understanding of what it takes to make great gigs happen.

• You’ve ever wanted to put on your own gig
• You’re keen to develop new skills to kickstart or boost your career in the creative industries
• You’re interested in any of the following: live music production, lighting, stage management, audience development, box office sales and front of house management, artist liaison, event production, graphic design, photography and videography, social media and marketing
• You’re based in Rochdale
• You’re aged 16-25 (up to 30 for those identifying as d/Deaf, Disabled, or Neurodivergent)

This programme is free to attend.

We can help cover costs that might otherwise prevent you from taking part, including:

• Travel expenses
• Access costs, such as disability support, translation or childcare

Food and refreshments will be provided throughout the programme.

Sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 6-8pm on the following dates:

• September: 15, 22, 29
• October: 6, 13, 20, 27
• November: 3, 10, 17

Sessions will mainly take place at Heywood Civic (OL10 1LW), with the potential for some online sessions throughout the programme.

The live show will take place at Heywood Civic on Friday 27 November. Please keep the whole day and evening free.

We'd love you to attend every session, but we understand that isn't always possible. We'll ask you to confirm your availability as part of the application process.

Please complete an online application form by Monday 7 September, 11pm.

We encourage you to submit your application before the deadline but if you need a bit more time please let us know by Friday 5 September, 12pm.

You're welcome to apply with support from a personal assistant or carer. If there is anything we can do to help you to apply, please let us know.

In the form we'll ask you the following questions:

• Tell us a bit about yourself - your background, any experience you’d like to share, and most importantly, what you’re passionate about.
• What are your goals for the future? We’re especially interested in your plans in music or the wider creative industries, but feel free to share any other paths you’re excited to explore.
• Why are you interested in taking part in this programme, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?

You can answer these questions in writing, or you can record yourself. If you do this, you'll just need to include links to your video or audio recordings. Have a read of our Top Tips for Applicants for more information on how to answer these questions

If you know someone who you think would be interested in taking part, why not nominate them?

Send the person’s name and email address/social media profile to [email protected] and we’ll send them the application details.

We aim to create spaces that are welcoming, engaging and supportive. Spaces where everyone is able to be themselves, and where abuse and discrimination are not tolerated.

Read our Safer Spaces Policy for more information.

Our approach to Safeguarding is the foundation of our Safer Spaces approach. By Safeguarding we mean the wellbeing, and protection from harm, abuse and mistreatment of anyone who benefits from our work, team members and others we come into contact with. Anyone who is part of our team has appropriate safeguarding knowledge and an understanding of how to deal with safeguarding issues should they arise.

Read our Safeguarding Policy for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Tim Chatterton, Project Manager
[email protected]
07517 416017

This project is delivered in partnership with Cartwheel Arts as part of their Young Producers Inspire Programme, Your Trust and Brighter Sound.

This project would not be possible without the funding and support from Arts Council England's Place Partnership Fund, Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale Borough Council, DCMS, Youth Music, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the Heywood Town’s Board.