Award-winning
LGBTQ+ theatre
Glow Up Sign Ups
Glow Up your career or portfolio with support from an industry mentor
This spring we're piloting six Glow Up Sessions and twelve Glow Up Portfolio sessions.
There are two opportunities, each with their own sign up process. Click the one you want below to find out more, or scroll down for video guidance notes.
Delivered in partnership with
Accessibility
Glow Up Sessions and Portfolios will be delivered in person and/or online
You will need a computer, tablet or mobile device and an internet connection to attend online sessions. We can reimburse the cost of travel within Greater Manchester for in-person sessions.
We're committed to improving access, if you think there is something we can do to support you accessing Glow Up, please email hello@dibbytheatre.org
Video Guidance Notes
Sessions
Get up to one day's mentorship with an industry professional
Are you an LGBTQ+ creative, producer, backstage crew member or a majority LGBTQ-led organisation/collective that’s stuck on your next step? Need help developing a fundraising strategy? Want support with marketing and comms? Not sure how to take your work to the next level?
Let our mentorship programme help you Glow Up!
How it works
This spring we’re piloting six sessions delivered in two blocks of three. For each block we’ll open our simple expression of interest form for 24 hours on a specified date (see below) – it’ll take no more than a couple of minutes to fill out.
We’ll match successful applicants with an LGBTQ+ (or ally) industry mentor for a full day of mentorship (split across 2 sessions) focussed on the challenge you face or the questions you have.
How we will choose the successful applicants
We’ll choose three applicants that we feel have the most urgent need and who we know we can match well with a mentor. If you’re not matched, you’ll be able to submit again in the next window.
How to sign up
for Glow Up
Sessions
Our First glow up sessions take place in spring 2023
Spring Block 1
Now closed.
Spring Block 2
Expression of Interest – Monday 3 April, 00:00-23:59
(24-hour window)
Mentorship Sessions – Monday 24 April - Friday 19 May
(3 sessions available)
You will need to have some weekday availability across this period to attend two sessions. We’ll agree actual dates and time with you and your mentor once signed up.
Glow Up Sessions Sign Up Form
Glow Up Session Expression of Interest for Spring Block 1 is now closed. The next EOI window opens on Monday 3 April.
Scroll down to sign up for Glow Up Portfolios.
Glow Up FAQs
Why LGBTQ+ and Greater Manchester?
*We ask people to declare this as our spaces are promoted as LGBTQ+ inclusive. We acknowledge the acronym LGBTQ+ is not perfect (you may be new on your gender or sexual identity journey, or prefer different terms), but we ask all participants to acknowledge that Dibby operates LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces by checking this box.
**Our funding dictates the region in which we deliver work. However, we acknowledge not everyone has address security - if your current postcode is outside of GM, we ask that you only sign up if you consider GM to be your primary base of work, or you intend to return to the region soon.
Do I need a show or project in place to apply for mentorship?
If you have a specific project or idea you want to discuss that’s great, but it’s not a necessity. You may wish to discuss wider talent development needs such as self-promotion, networking or training. If you wish to spend some time working on your CV, portfolio or career plan, then Glow Up Portfolios (see below) might be a better fit.
I’ve been working in the industry for a while now, but still feel like I need help. Can I apply or is this for emerging artists only?
We’ll assess on need rather than what stage of career a person is at. You might have been directing theatre for a while and are now planning to set up your own producing company with your peers, or you might be a local stage manager interested in a career shift to touring theatre. Your mentor will help you identify your skills gaps, action plan your next steps and signpost you in the right direction.
I’m an artist but not in theatre. Am I eligible?
We’re a theatre company and as such support creatives, producers and backstage crew working in (or wanting to work in) in the live arts (e.g., theatre, dance, comedy, live art, storytelling or music). If you’re a visual artist (or any other type of artist) looking to expand your portfolio into the live arts, then you are a perfect candidate for Glow Up. Unfortunately, we can’t offer art-form specific mentorship outside of theatre/performing/live arts.
I have an access need. Will you be able to support me?
We are committed to supporting all LGBTQ+ people into sustainable careers in the arts. Access needs are wide and varied: you may have a disability or be neurodivergent, you might struggle to travel due to work commitments, or be unable to cover the cost of childcare. If you have a specific support need, get in touch. We’re a small (but friendly) bunch and we’ll always do our absolute best to offer the assistance you need to ensure you are able to take part.
Is there an age restriction?
You must over 18 to apply. There is no upper age limit.
I live outside of Greater Manchester, can I apply?
Unfortunately, our funding dictates that this opportunity is for LGBTQ+ people or majority LGBTQ-led organisations in Greater Manchester only. However, we acknowledge not everyone has address security. If your current postcode is outside of GM, we ask that you only sign up if you consider GM to be your primary base of work, or you intend to return to the region soon.
Can I become a mentor?
If you think you have something to offer another creative, producer or backstage crew member, let us know and we’ll add you to our list of potential mentors to match Glow Up applicants to. Drop us an email with your CV/website/portfolio at hello@dibbytheatre.org
Portfolios
One hour drop in sessions with a member of the Dibby Team
Are you an LGBTQ+ creative, producer, backstage crew member? Need help smartening up you CV or portfolio, developing and promoting your USP, or laying out a career development plan?
Let us help you Glow Up your portfolio!
How it works
This spring we’re piloting twelve one-hour sessions with a Dibby Theatre team member, delivered in two blocks of six (see below). For each block we’ll open our simple expression of interest form on a specified date. It will take less than a minute to fill out.
How we’ll choose successful applicants
Portfolio sessions will be offered on a first come first served basis.
How to sign up
for Glow Up
Portfolios
Our First Portfolio sessions take place in spring 2023
Spring Block 1
Now Closed.
Spring Block 2
Block Two Expression of Interest – Monday 3 April
Portfolio Sessions – Thursday 4 May
Glow Up Portfolios Sign Up
Sign Up for a 1-hour session with a Dibby Team Member below
Please answer the questions when prompted so we can prepare for your session.
Portfolio sessions will take place at HOMEMcr, Tony Wilson Place, Manchester.
Glow Up Portfolios Block One are now closed. Block Two opens on Monday 3 April.
*We are an LGBTQ-led organisation that operates an LGBTQ+ inclusive working environment and LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces. We acknowledge the acronym LGBTQ+ is not perfect (you may be new on your gender or sexual identity journey, or prefer different terms), but we ask all participants to acknowledge that Dibby operates LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces by checking this box.
**We acknowledge not everyone has address security - if your current postcode is outside of GM, we ask that you only sign up if you consider GM to be your primary base of work, or you intend to return to the region soon.