Young people

Under 30 and into theatre? You've come to the right place

And it's not just shows we have to offer here at CFT (although our Prologue £5 tickets are a total bargain).

Events, career and networking opportunities, Youth Theatre, and café discounts are all available to you.

So what are you waiting for? Come on in.


Work experience

We offer Work Experience placements during our Festival Season for applicants aged 16+ (at the time of the placement). Applications open around the end of February/beginning of March each year for placements that take place in May, June and July.

These opportunities are designed to support anyone interested in pursuing a career in theatre, those exploring if theatre is right for them, or students taking part in college or university placements.

Each placement is different, depending on the department you are working in and what we are working on in that moment. Some opportunities mix administrative and practical tasks, whilst others are focused on gaining an understanding of technical or production skills. All placements are voluntary, and usually offered across one week.

Please note that our applications for 2023 are now closed.


Prologue ticket FAQs

For 16-30 year olds

When can I book my tickets?
You can book as soon as a show is on general sale (unless you're also a paid up Friend), and you need to be logged in to access the tickets - so make sure you register as a member with a valid date of birth. You can use Prologue tickets up to the day before turn 31, so if you're booking a whole season in one go make sure your ID will be valid for all of your bookings as you will need it at each performance.

How can I book?
Log in and look for the black stars on the seating plan if you're booking online, call our Box Office on 01243 781312, or pop into the Theatre (our address is Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester PO19 6AP if you fancy writing us a letter).

How many tickets can I book?
You can book up to two Prologue tickets per performance (subject to availability), so why not bring a 16-30 year old friend along and introduce them to CFT? Obviously you can also book additional full price tickets for anyone outside the age range in the same booking.

When do I get my tickets?
We're doing our bit for the environment so E-Tickets will be sent to you after your booking.

Will I need identification?
Yes, you need to bring photo ID when you come to the Theatre, showing that you are between the ages of 16 and 30 on that date. If you're bringing a 16-30 year old friend, remind them that they will need to bring theirs too! We accept a valid passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate, or a PASS approved card.

Can I see productions in both Theatres?
Great news, we have Prologue tickets for all productions in the Festival and Minerva Theatres during the Festival season. Slightly less great news, in the Winter season we have to negotiate them with producers who are bringing their shows to us on tour. Most producers are on board, but there may be some shows where we can't offer them. So make sure you look out for the Prologue logo.

When can I see a production?
You can come along on any date (subject to availability of course).

What if I go with someone older or younger? Will we be able to sit together?
We hold our Prologue seats specifically for members, so they're in fixed places around the theatre and it may not be possible to sit together. But if there is availability you can definitely book them a full price ticket next to your Prologue one. However, if you "accidentally" (we're looking at some of you who try to break the rules) buy a £5 ticket for someone outside the 16 to 30 age range, please note we cannot upgrade their ticket to full price or to another concessionary price. Our Front of House staff reserve the right to refuse admission if you don't have valid ID for all Prologue ticketholders - and no one wants to have that awkward conversation.

What if I can no longer make the performance date?
If you contact Box Office at least 48 hours in advance of the performance, we can exchange your Prologue ticket for another date (subject to availability).

Where can I use my discount off food and drink?
The 10% discount off food and drink can be used in the Café in the Park, the Foyer Café and Minerva Bar on presentation of valid ID - especially important if you are over 18 and purchasing alcohol.

Can other members of my group use my 10% discount?
Only the Prologue member is eligible for the discount. It cannot be used to buy food or drinks for other members of your group, and it cannot be applied to a joint bill.

For parents and carers

Can I book Prologue tickets?
Only 16-30 year old Prologue members can book our £5 tickets. Members can book as soon as the season goes on general sale, so it may be worth co-ordinating diaries so you can try to book seats together. Prologue members can also book full price tickets as well as their £5 ticket if attending with someone over 30 (so maybe ask them nicely!).

If you want to bring a 16-30 year old to the Theatre, have a look at the discounts page of our website as some of those may apply. And don't forget, during the Festival season our £10 tickets are available for all Festival and Minerva Theatre productions (subject to availability). Find out more about discounts and ticket offers here.

What is the purpose of the Prologue membership scheme?
We want to encourage independent theatregoing by younger audience members, and Prologue is designed to kickstart a life-long love of theatre in the next generation. By setting aside affordable tickets for Prologue, members can choose what they want to see and enjoy going to the theatre with friends.

Why do 16-30 year olds have access to £5 tickets?
We make our £5 tickets available to Prologue members so that they can choose which productions they want to see and purchase their own tickets. There is something about the whole experience of deciding on a production, choosing a date and buying your own ticket that can lead to someone becoming a lifelong theatregoer.

Who is allowed to book Prologue tickets?
Only registered 16-30 year old members can book Prologue tickets for events and productions. Members must show ID for each Prologue ticket holder at the Theatre, proving they are between the ages of 16 and 30 on the date of the performance.

If it looks like someone outside the age range has added a false date of birth to their account in order to access Prologue tickets, we have the right to remove that date of birth and invalidate the ticket purchase. If you find you have booked a Prologue ticket accidentally, please get in touch with our Box Office on 01243 781312.

If my 16-30 year old books a Prologue ticket, will we still be able to sit together?
Prologue tickets are in specific seats around the theatre so it may not be possible to sit together. Ask the member to check the seating plan to see if any seats are available next to Prologue ones. If so, they can purchase full price seats when they make their booking.