From Next Generation to the Royal Opera House

Find out how 18-year-old Aidan from Ashford, Kent, took what he learnt with Next Generation Backstage to land a two-year apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House.

At 18, Aidan Doswell from Ashford in Kent is already making his mark behind-the-scenes in theatre.

A former participant in our Next Generation Backstage programme, which provides work experience and training for young people interested in backstage theatre roles, Aidan is now preparing to begin a two-year Creative Technician apprenticeship with the Royal Opera House.

Aidan’s journey into theatre began with a spark of encouragement from his drama teacher. "I didn’t do well in my GCSEs," Aidan admits. "It was my drama teacher who really encouraged me to get involved. I wasn’t interested in acting, but the more I got into the backstage side of things, the more I loved it."

Through Next Generation, Aidan gained hands-on experience in lighting and set design, living and working in Stratford-upon-Avon alongside other students from Towers School and Sixth Form Centre based in Kent. Aidan credits the programme with helping him discover his passion for lighting and design:

“I learned how to design a piece, how to create a rig plan. There’s so much more to lighting than people realise - you get to be creative, design your own pieces, and really shape the atmosphere of a show.”




Aidan participated in our Next Generation Backstage programme, following encouragement from his drama teacher.
© RSC Browse and license our images
Aidan has secured a two-year Creative Technician Apprenticeship with the Royal Opera House.
© RSC Browse and license our images

In March 2025, his school was invited to see Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House, where he met one of the apprenticeship managers.

"That’s when I found out about the Creative Technician role. Having the connection to the RSC really helped me progress. Kieran Corrigan, Apprenticeships Programme Manager at the RSC, supported me through the whole process."

In June 2025, Aidan then won Best Lighting Design at the National School Theatre Awards - an achievement that helped solidify his ambitions and prepare him for the next step.

Now preparing to start his apprenticeship in September, Aidan is feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "It’s a big step, but I’m ready. I want to keep learning and exploring all the different areas of theatre."

And his advice to other young people thinking about starting out in theatre?

"Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Keep an eye out for all the different possibilities - there’s so much more to theatre than just being on stage."




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