Now available to book

Following last year's inaugural event, we're inviting the next generation of curious minds to another unmissable day of discovery in the creative industries. Dive into inspiring sessions with creative organisations large and small. Meet with artists, designers, tattooists, theatre-makers, writers and creatives, and find out about careers that you didn’t even know existed.

Whether you're curious about theatre, visual arts, design, writing, music or beyond, this event is crafted to ignite your potential, spark ideas, and show you the endless possibilities ahead. If you’re a student choosing GCSE options, next step pathways, or you’re ready to survey the employment landscape, then this careers fair is for you.

Focussing on creative roles across a variety of industries, this is your opportunity to access presentations, panel discussions, TED-style talks, interactive stands, competitions, CV sessions – all led by professionals at the top of their game.  This year panels will include LW Theatres, Glyndebourne, Cameron Mackintosh Limited, Autograph Sound, Unusual Rigging,alongside freelance playwrights, designers and actors at the top of their game, and senior leaders from CFT.  

You'll also be able to receive guidance, and quiz experts on apprenticeships, trainee schemes, career pathways and employment opportunities. Whether you’re looking to explore design, writing, music, a skilled trade, technical production, digital creation, gaming, public speaking, theatre or more, we can help.

What can I expect?

Panel discussions from industry leaders and experts who will discuss the creation process of a show from page to stage, covering both creative and practical roles, meet and greets with Technical Theatre team, CFT apprentices and CV surgeries offering an indispensable guide to interview techniques, pitfalls, exploring transferrable skills and how to get ahead in the creative industries. A huge marketplace filled with industry organisations who you can ask every question. Practical workshops, tours, presentations and more.

We recommend a minimum three-hour visit, either for the morning or afternoon session. 

Get involved by entering our competitions

How to book

The Creative Industries Careers Day is free to attend but booking is essential. Keynote presentations and discussions will take place between 10.30am – 2.30pm, at the beginning or end of your visit.  If you’re interested in attending with a school group, please contact us with your subject lead, year group, number of attendees and focus of visit, and we can curate a bespoke itinerary.  

Can I get refreshments?

The Café on the Park will be open for refreshments throughout the day. 

Want to know more?

Contact us at schools@cft.org.uk. 

Creative Industries Careers Day events

Introduction

11.35am, Festival Theatre 

Chichester Festival Theatre's Executive Director Kathy Bourne and Artistic Director Justin Audibert chair a panel with the CFT Youth Advisory Board. 

The Marketplace 

9am - 3pm, Festival Theatre Foyer

Drop in and visit our market place in the Festival Theatre Foyer. We're delighted to welcome over 25 creative organisations for you to meet and discover. 

• Absolute Motion Control
• Adventures and Wisdom Institute
• ATG Entertainment
• Autograph Sound
• Bristol School of Acting
• Cameron Mackintosh Ltd
• Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCXIR)
• Chichester College Creative Industries Apprenticeships
• Chichester Festival Youth Theatre / Apprenticeships
• Chichester Festival Theatre’s Youth Advisory Board
• Chichester University (Film Department)
• Coastal Catalyst / FUTURE Creators
• Deborah Harwood (Ceramicist)
• Get Into Theatre
• Glyndebourne
• LW Theatres
• Mountview
• Northbrook College
• The Novium Museum
• Pallant House Gallery
• Pathways into Music
• Royal Ballet and Opera House
• Rosie Matthews Piercing & Tattoo Artist
• Sussex Heritage Trust
• TSL Lighting
• Unusual Rigging
• West Sussex Music
• White Light 

Drop Ins

CV Surgeries 
With the People Team from Chichester Festival Theatre
9am - 2pm
Creative Hub (Ground Floor of the Minerva Theatre)

CV Surgeries 
With Jane Dowding
9am - 11am
Creative Hub (Ground Floor of the Minerva Theatre)

Practical Workshops
With Chichester Festival Theatre
9am - 11am
1.45pm - 3pm
Rehearsal Room, Steven Pimlott building