A great year for our Youth Theatre groups

Published on 23 July 2025.

As we reach the end of term, we are reflecting on a great year for our Youth Theatre and Louder Than Words groups.

Creating new work for Winter Lights

Last summer the groups started work on their performance for Winter Lights, exploring themes of moments of joy and what joy means to them.

Working with a professional writer and artists they created the piece Where the Acorns Grow and performed it to packed audiences at our Winter Lights event in January – with over 180 people watching it across two performances.

Great feedback from audiences:

“The script was very inclusive – I enjoyed how they were using sign language and the interaction with the tutors and the young people. It was brilliant how they had opportunity to do that. Everyone was able to take part.” Audience member  

“It was marvellous to see so many different groups and ages interacting beautifully in the Where the Acorns Grow production, and it was incredible how well the evolving idea of joy and the relationship to the park (and to nature and to each other) was portrayed.” Audience member 

Youth Theatre members also really valued the experience, developing confidence, new skills and friendships from working together with all the youth theatre groups and performing:

“I have seen a marked improvement in my child’s confidence and ability to be self-assured. He was incredibly proud to have taken part in it (Winter Lights) - and he enjoys the new friendships he is making.” Parent of Youth Theatre member

Research and Development sessions

In February half term, youth theatre members also developed their ideas further during research and development (R&D) sessions for a new piece of work for primary school audiences.

The young people shared ideas and worked together with adult artists.  

They told us that they enjoyed creating stories and being valued as artists in their own right:

"(I liked) Building up the story yesterday, both process and content. I liked that it was all magical.”

“My fave thing has been the creativity.” 

Sharing their work with family and friends

Youth Theatre members have been working on themes from the R&D in the spring term, and enjoyed sharing what they have created so far with their peers, friends and family members. A full event sharing their work will be coming up in March 2026.

Building confidence, self-expression, friendships and connections

End of term feedback has shown how much the youth theatre members value the groups, not just for drama games and performances, but for developing their confidence, self-expression, friendships and connections.  

100% of Louder than Words participants said they made friends in the group.  

100% of youth theatre participants said their ideas are listened to (quite a bit or totally). 

97% of youth theatre participants said they felt safe at youth theatre and had fun (quite a bit or totally).

Feedback from Youth Theatre members

Louder Than Words members:  

“I have been more confident this year and enjoyed spending time with this group and speaking more loudly.” 

“I love it – my favourite thing about coming here is being with you all.” 

6-16's Youth Theatre members:

“I love Travelling Light, it’s the best – please keep it going forever!” (6-9's)  

“When I started here, I was nervous but now I feel happy.” (6-9's)  

"Travelling Light boosts my confidence. I have a lot of fun with my friends." (10-12's)  

"I enjoy drama because I have fun and learn acting skills and really love it." (10-12's)  

"I love to work with the other groups to understand how different people enjoy theatre." (13-19's)  

Feedback from parents

Youth Theatre makes my child feel:

"Generally very happy."

"Excited and energetic."

"It makes them feel comfortable and can be themselves." 

"Excited and lively. At ease."

"Confident." 

Louder Than Words Parents:

"Within the 4 months she has been part of the group, we've seen a shift in her confidence at school in particular where she dares more sharing her ideas and engaging with other children." 

"He’s come out of his shell, it really shows."

This autumn

We have spaces available to join this autumn (2025). To find out more and to contact us visit our Youth Theatre page.

Support our Youth Theatre

Over 50% of our Youth Theatre members receive free or discounted bursary places - this is made possible through the generous support of trusts, foundations and individual donors (our Travelling Light Friends). If you would like to support our Youth Theatre, visit our donate page or contact us.