Shropshire Independent Cinema (SIC) today announces two new opportunities for 2026: a Young Curator (16–25) and the new role of a Next Take Curator (40+).

Applications are now open and close Friday 9 January. Candidates will be paid for a day’s hands-on experience at Ludlow Picture House and Old Market Hall, with a view to developing an ongoing relationship with SIC. The roles reflect SIC’s commitment to widening access to film programming and giving local people a voice in what appears on their screens and in recommending films to their communities.

The announcement coincides with current Young Curators Joe Williams and Tom Morris’s tour of SIC’s four partner cinemas with their ‘Seasonal Picks’ – the films that they believe local audiences can’t miss. Following their introduction of The Choral at Wem Cinema on 16 December, they visit Ludlow Picture House on 21 December to present Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life. “It’s so apt  that Tom and Joe have chosen this masterful, humane work which is all about the power of community,” said Jess Laurie, Head of Programming at Ludlow Picture House. 

“Earlier this year, our cinemas launched Shropshire Young Curators so young people could shape our programming. Now we’re opening our doors to a new Young Curator and a Next Take Curator - looking for a talented mid-life or older person who wants to dip a toe into what’s involved in running a cinema. This kind of paid opportunity is severely lacking for people over 40 in our region who want a career change. Now, with Film Hub Midlands funding, SIC are once again leading the way.”

Tom and Joe will also front SIC’s social ads for the call-out, sharing insights with incoming curators before returning to their cinema tour in January to present live introductions to their New Year Picks at Old Market Hall and Wellington Orbit.

“In my time as a Young Curator I’ve gained confidence in myself and enjoyed working with a group of amazing people.” – Tom

“As a film student, being a Young Curator gives me invaluable experience in knowing how to build an audience. I have gained a deeper understanding of what people expect when going to the cinema, and how to appeal to a more rural demographic such as Shropshire in the films that I make.” - Joe

Full details and application information for the new roles will be available on all SIC partner websites and social channels from 19 December, or you can email jess@ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk.

Photo credit: Joe Nobile