Backstage Trust award to support our Youth Theatre programme

Published on 5 March 2024.

We are delighted to announce we have been awarded a grant from the Backstage Trust of £15,000 to support our youth theatre programme for children and young people in Barton Hill and across Bristol.

Thank you to Dame Susie Sainsbury and the Backstage Trust for this funding.

Our youth theatre programme offers a safe space for children and young people to express themselves each week and work with experienced practitioners, developing their creativity, imagination and voice through performance-based activities.

We offer an accessible space for young people to explore their creativity outside school, ensuring access through community partners, bursaries and free places.

The Impact of our Youth Theatre

Last summer we conducted an in-depth consultation with 60+ children and young people about what they value about Travelling Light, and how we can develop to meet their needs and aspirations.

This included creative evaluation sessions in all our youth theatre groups and holiday workshops and conversations with families and community partners.

The consultation found that:

Children and young people valued creativity, freedom and having fun within the groups.

Participants expressed the groups had impacted on them by; increasing their confidence, making them feel braver and able to express themselves, and through making friends through the groups. 

Children and young people felt included, welcomed and supported by facilitators.

They felt the groups were an inclusive space where they could be themselves.

“It’s changed me so I became more confident and it surprised me so much I became more brave.” -  7-10's member

“Travelling Light makes sure you will always feel safe and happy and the staff here always helps you if you need anything.” -  11-13's member

“It has changed me because I have made friends.” - 11-13's member

“I felt shy to express my voice and the people here made me feel differently”. - 11-13's member

“It helped me with my social skills, like talking to new people and performing in front of an audience.” - 14-19's member

“I’ve become more active and more confident trying new things. I’ve learnt more about drama skills and how to devise a piece. If it didn’t exist, I probably would just not attend youth theatre.” - 14-19's member

“I really like the opportunities Travelling Light provides like free shows and performances.” - 14-19's member

“It’s the first group I ever felt I fitted in.” - Louder than Words member

"These children would never go to a drama club but they experience here. I know some children now go to the youth theatre – holiday club is a way in." - Feedback from a local food charity community worker

This month we have our annual Youth Theatre sharing – with all four of our youth theatre groups preparing performances for families and friends. Read more about the sharing here.