Elemental - Artist Development Programme

Elemental is our exciting artist development programme, supporting early-career artists in developing their craft, expanding their industry insight and strengthening their practice. Our applications for our 2026 cohort are now open.

Over the course of a year, Elemental artists gain hands-on experience working on a Watermill production, connect with leading industry professionals and benefit from networking and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Our first cohort of artists have had first-hand experience working alongside the creative team on Watermill productions through the year, including The King’s Speech, Pinocchio, Piaf and Jesus Christ Superstar. Beyond the Watermill, the programme has exposed Elemental artists to unique opportunities and cultivated meaningful connections within the wider sector, including shadowing the lighting designer for Starlight Express, meeting Elle While Pentabus’ Artistic Director and observing technical rehearsals for My Neighbour Totoro.

“It's a programme that caters to you, your questions, your interests and your discipline”

Tyler Holland, Elemental Artist

Elemental is a paid programme, with support for travel and access costs to help remove barriers for participating artists.

We welcome artists from all theatre disciplines, including Lighting and Sound, Movement Directors, Set or Costume Designers and Musical Directors.

Elemental is now entering its second year and applications are now open. Please apply by 5pm Monday 27 October and see the application pack below for further information on the programme and how to apply.

‘I have loved being an Elemental Artist this past year.

In the industry at the moment, there aren’t a lot of opportunities like this for emerging Lighting Designers, so I am very grateful to the Watermill for selecting me to be a part of the first year. One of my highlights of the programme has definitely been my time spent working on Jesus Christ Superstar. This time with Rory Beaton (lighting designer) has also opened the door to more opportunities to collaborate in the future. The biggest draw to this programme for me was the Watermill itself, and so also having the chance to design a show in the season this year was also an invaluable experience, and showed me exactly how versatile this wonderful space is.’

Nicola Crawford

Assistant Lighting Designer, Jesus Christ Superstar 

Our 2024/25 Elemental artists