This September, The Quay Theatre is re-launching its Youth Theatre groups, providing weekly drama workshops for young people aged seven to 15 years.
The new groups provide an exciting opportunity for local young people to engage with the craft of theatre in a professional space, with a focus on all manner of acting skills, as well as collaboration and creative communication.
The aim is to give young people somewhere they can feel safe to explore their creative expression - and have plenty of fun too!
Attendees will also have the opportunity to perform in The Quay Theatre itself, taking full advantage of its extensive professional facilities. Their termly showcase will be fully kitted out with lights, sound, costumes and more – a great experience for budding creatives.
Mortal Fools Youth Theatre is open to young people aged 5–19 years. We run weekly Youth Theatre groups, split by age in Ashington.
At Mortal Fools, we focus on supporting children and young people’s creativity, wellbeing, and self-belief, using the medium of drama. We believe youth theatre can be a brilliant a vehicle to help young people to build their confidence and skills, support their mental heath, and to make sense of the world around them.
There are no auditions, no drama experience necessary, and no fees (although donations are welcome!). All we ask for is a willingness to give things a go, passion for performing, and lots of curious creativity.
We’re pleased to announce that Arts and Homelessness International (AHI) in collaboration with One Roof ODAC will be starting regular scratch nights to be held at Old Diorama Arts Centre (ODAC). The first event will take place on Friday 12th September 2025.
A scratch night is an event where artists/creatives with lived experience of homelessness can show work that is still in progress. This might be a song, a poem, a fragment of a play, or a visual artwork that isn’t yet finished. It’s a space to try things out, to explore, and to begin conversations around work that’s still forming.
These scratch nights are open to artists/creatived with lived experience as well as AHI & One Roof ODAC communities with lived experience of homelessness, creating a safe and supportive environment for artists/creatives at different stages of their careers to share and discuss their work. Discussion will play a huge part in these events.
We are especially keen for creatives and artists with lived experience of homelessness to attend; whether as performers or audience members as your voices and perspectives are at the heart of this programme.
All conversations will be guided by the Critical Response Process developed by artist Liz Lerman. This is a kind and supportive structure for group discussion, enabling valuable feedback from the audience without overwhelming artists with harsh criticism or unhelpful praise. It’s about going deeper, helping artists learn more about their own work and the processes of others.
Each night will feature three or four artists. The work could take many forms—performance, visual sketches, ideas, a few lines of a poem or song lyrics. After each presentation, there’ll be a structured discussion, and then we’ll move on to the next artist.
The atmosphere will be relaxed and informal, with plenty of opportunities to socialise and enjoy refreshments.We hope this scratch nights will become a regular feature of our community calendar—an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support each other, artistically and socially.
Are you creative, living in Scotland and aged 8-30? Apply now for up to £500 for your creative activity or project.
Creative Scotland are working with Moniack Mhor to offer funding to support and encourage creative projects and activities by young people aged 8-30 in Scotland who may have experience of isolation or marginalisation.
Creativity takes all shapes and forms, so whether you are a writer, knitter, musician, graphic artist, street artist, dancer, photographer, film maker or potter – basically anything at all as long as it is creative – we would love to hear from you and help to support your work
Applications are open now until 18th November. They are assessed once a month by a steering group of young people who also have experience of isolation and marginalisation, so you can apply any time.
Individuals can apply for up to £500. Groups can apply for £500 per person, up to a maximum of £2000
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Performance Preparation Academy is a warm and lively community of performers, industry practitioners and facilitators.
We champion a safe and supportive working environment, promoting a strong ensemble ethic shared by our staff and students.
Our students enjoy long lasting personal and professional relationships formed whilst closely exploring a wide range of learning experiences, rehearsal-based projects and public performances.
We are dedicated to individual development, and a team of passionate teachers deliver a rigorous and innovative training programme, designed to prepare graduates for the Musical Theatre industry as a triple threat performer.
Reflection on professional practice is an empowering aspect of the student experience, and in the third year there is the option of a reflective journal or a practical research project.
In addition, there is the possibility of access to the PPA Agency, which has enviable industry links and may promote graduates into the world of Musical Theatre with access to agents, casting directors and potential employers. Where possible, we encourage students to develop industry links via public performances, auditions, work-based learning opportunities, and the Showcase in London’s West End.
PPA is an inclusive and lively community of performers, industry practitioners and facilitators.
We champion a safe and supportive working environment, promoting a strong ensemble ethic whilst allowing individuality and identity.
Our students enjoy long lasting personal and professional relationships formed while closely exploring a wide range of learning experiences, rehearsal-based projects and public performances.
We are dedicated to individual development and our team of industry-experienced tutors deliver a rigorous and innovative training programme designed to prepare graduates for today’s industry with a dual focus on both Stage and Screen.
Reflection on professional practice is an empowering aspect of the student experience and in the third year there is the opportunity to write your dissertation on the subject that matters most to you.
In addition, there is the possibility of access to the PPA Agency, which has enviable industry links and may promote graduates into the Acting world with access to agents, casting directors and potential employers. Where possible, we encourage students to develop industry links via public performances, auditions, work-based learning opportunities and the Showcase.
BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen is validated by De Montfort University. To apply for this course you will need to have 96 UCAS points (new tariff) and be over the age of 18 before the 1st September at enrolment.
