Theatre opportunities for schools and higher education providers

The Compass Theatre is easy to reach by public transport and coaches can be accommodated if required. 

Group work experience weeks 

Group work experience weeks provide much-needed opportunities for practical, hands-on theatre experience and can be requested by schools and higher education providers. 

Groups of between 5 and 20 students can use the Compass Theatre's stage, studio and auditorium to work together to create, produce and present an end-of-week show, using the theatre's own costumes and puppets. 

A group work experience week runs Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, during term time, with the resulting performance on stage at 3pm on the Friday - this is ticketed by the theatre. 

For more information about group work experience weeks, email artsvenues@hillingdon.gov.uk.

Please note: Hillingdon Theatres are unable to provide individual work experience placements. However:

• over-16s can gain valuable experience by becoming a theatre volunteer 
• companies producing content at Winston Churchill Theatre and Compass Theatre may be able to take individuals for work experience - to find out more, contact the production groups directly.

School theatre tours 

Hillingdon Theatres offer guided school tours at the Compass Theatre, Ickenham. 

Tours can include:

• a talk and question and answer session about what happens on a theatre stage 
• opportunity to get onto the stage, to see into the wings and up into the fly tower 
• a venture of the backstage to try costume items and puppets 
• a look around the vast wardrobe department 
• a look inside the studio dance rehearsal space with mirrored wall and ballet barre
• a more historic tour inside Ickenham Hall - the Grade II listed Georgian house, in whose back garden, this small community theatre was built. 

For more information about school tours, including prices, email artsvenues@hillingdon.gov.uk.