Breakthrough Traineeship – Theatre Operations Assistant, Henley on Thames
About Breakthrough
Breakthrough is a 6‑month employability programme designed as a stepping stone to get you workplace experience and all-important employment skills. This short placement gives you insight into a future career in the Creative Industry, supporting your confidence and professionalism in the workplace, and helping you to break through into a career that matters to you!
Read more about Breakthrough here:
The role
The Theatre Operations Assistant role is designed to provide a young person with practical experience across multiple aspects of arts and cultural venue management within a working regional theatre environment.
This is a varied, hands-on role supporting Front of House operations including the Box Office, hospitality (bar and coffee bar) and volunteer management alongside supporting the theatre’s Marketing & Fundraising Department through campaigns, audience engagement activity, event support and our annual pantomime in December.
You will also play a role in supporting the launch and development of Kenton Youth, the theatre’s new theatre education programme for young people, providing valuable experience in youth engagement and arts education within a professional theatre setting.
This role will include assisting with the:
- Day to day operations of the Box Office – selling tickets, helping customers etc
- Stock Management for bar and coffee bar
- Merchandise displays and sales
- Working Front of House for shows- ushering, Box Office, Front of House Management, coffee bar and bar
- Supporting with volunteer programme – training new volunteers, rota administration etc
- Poster and flyer management
- Brochure distribution
- Supporting with VIP press night for pantomime
- Supporting with fundraising events at the theatre
- Administration relating to the theatre education programme – Kenton Youth
As a small independent theatre, we are able to shape the role around the individual’s interests, strengths and longer-term aspirations as much as possible, allowing you to gain experience in areas most relevant to your personal and professional development.
The role will be based at the Kenton Theatre.
Who we are:
The Kenton is a vibrant and historic theatre that has been entertaining audiences since 1805. From toe-tapping music and gripping drama to comedy, dance and family-friendly shows, The Kenton offers something for everyone in its intimate 240-seat auditorium. This beloved venue is also a hub for local community groups and private events, bringing people together in celebration of culture. With over 250 performances a year and an annual income of £850k+. The Kenton plays a vital role in the cultural landscape of Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding area.
Deadline for applications
The deadline is 11:45pm, on 27 July 2026
You will need to download the job description below and read it carefully, and review the eligibility criteria below to ensure you are able to apply.
You then need to fill out the form below to submit your application.
All of the job descriptions include an “Employers advice” section and we strongly recommend that you tailor your answers to ensure they cover that advice given for the specific role you are applying for.
You can apply for more than one role if you wish to, but you will need to submit separate applications using the same process.
We strongly suggest that you research travel options for the role before applying to ensure travel is feasible.
To be eligible to apply for a Breakthrough traineeship, applicants must:
- Be aged 18-25 on the 28 September 2026
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Available to start work on the 28 September 2026 and available for the duration of the placement (until 28th March 2027)
- Have no or little (less than one month) previous experience of working in an arts, creative or voluntary sector organisation
In addition to the above, applicants should also meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Currently not in employment, education or training (NEET)
- Be disabled and/or Neurodivergent
- Have current or prior mental health issues
- Have experienced racism, homophobic or transgender discrimination
- Be a recent school or college leaver (A level or equivalent)
- Are struggling to find work due to lack of employment or training experience
Please note that this programme is not suitable for those on a degree placement year or an MA programme.
Download the full job description
This contains more information about the role, including advice from the employer.
Breakthrough 2026 Application Form
Contact us
If you are unsure if you are eligible, have any other questions, or need information in a different format, please email our Careers team:
FAQs
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If you have applied for a Breakthrough placement in a previous year and been unsuccessful, then yes you are very welcome to apply again if you meet this years eligibility criteria!
If you have already successfully undertaken a Breakthrough placement before, you won't be eligible to apply again.
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Please do. You will need to submit an application for each role you are interested in and should check that the travel to the workplace is realistic for you before applying.