The National Theatre will commence professional training courses for theatre and film practitioners across four specialised areas from September 22 to October 24, 2025.

The General Manager and chief executive of the National Theatre, Mrs. Tola Akerele, announced the launch of four intensive two-week programmes covering costume design, research and development, narrative scoring, and project management for theatre practitioners.

The courses, she said, address specific skill gaps identified within Nigeria’s creative sector.

“Practitioners have consistently requested access to specialized training in these areas. These programmes provide that access while equipping artists with business skills necessary for sustainable careers,” Akerele stated.

The courses will be delivered in hybrid format, combining practical training with business development components. Industry professionals, including Ré Olunuga, Dr. Leesi Patrick, Lydia Yakula, and Yoanna “Pepper” Okwesa, will serve as instructors.

This marks the third set of training programmes under Akerele’s leadership at the National Theatre.

The CEO, who has extensive experience in cultural entrepreneurship, explained, “the creative industry offers genuine economic opportunities, but artists require the right tools and knowledge to navigate business environments effectively.”

The programmes are delivered in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), with the partnership potentially extending to future training initiatives at the National Theatre.

Applications will be announced in the coming days, targeting creative industry professionals seeking specialisation in technical aspects of theatre and film production.

Participants will receive training designed to enhance both artistic capabilities and commercial viability.

The training programmes align with the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy through the creative industries. The sector has received increased policy attention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, spearheaded by the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.