Love storytelling and theatre but never had the chance to get into professional training? Whether you’ve never performed before, or you’ve dabbled in amateur script writing or taken A-level drama, Centre 59 Company offers you a space to discover your potential and learn new skills.
Centre 59 Company is a six-month programme (end October – start April), where you’ll learn the fundamentals of theatre making and work with your peers and theatre professionals to devise, develop and rehearse work including a new theatre production that will be performed live at the Roundhouse in Spring 2027. The programme will give you an insight into what it’s like to create and perform in a professional setting and give you the foundation to tell your own stories.
WHAT YOU GET:
- Masterclasses in the fundamentals of storytelling and theatre, from improv, acting skills, script-writing and directing to physical theatre such as stage combat.
- Discover what roles you enjoy, whether that’s behind the scenes, on stage, or both.
- Understand all the elements of making theatre, and how you get from idea to rehearsal room to stage.
- Learn how to collaborate creatively with a group.
- Network with other aspiring theatre artists and professional tutors.
- Work with experienced industry teachers and professionals.
- Receive professional headshots and advice on putting together a work portfolio.
- Gain access to Roundhouse studios including use of rehearsal and work spaces
- Devise your own production and be part of a show that will be performed live at Roundhouse in Spring 2026 (Participants will be paid for the rehearsals and performances).
- Leave with professional theatre experience that can help you take the next steps in theatre.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
No specific skills or prior experience are required to participate, all you need is a love for theatre and an openness to learning, with a commitment of six months.
We value a diverse range of experiences within the company, so whether you want to be on stage or create your own productions, Centre 59 is all about finding out where your passions lie.
ABOUT CENTRE 59:
Centre 59 is an accessible space and entry point for young people to the artform of storytelling in theatre and the performing arts. Core to Centre 59 is the mission to build young artists who learn to share their own stories through a programme of writing, acting, directing and producing.
Centre 59 is a creative partnership from Roundhouse and 59% Productions, spearheaded by Roundhouse Associate Artistic Director Daniel Kaluuya.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Be aged 18-25 and based in the UK
- Be available for all project dates
- This project is not open to anyone who has currently, or recently, taken part in any vocational or intensive performing arts training. (This could include CAT programs, associations with professional training institutions such as drama schools, those professionally represented or performing at a high grade level.) This is to help us ensure the project is accessible to those who have not experienced similar projects before.
- This project is not open to anyone who has had professional (paid) credits in the last 5 years.
KEY DATES:
- First round auditions
- Thursday 17 September 6pm-8:30pm
- Friday 18 September 6pm-8:30pm
- Saturday 19 September 10am-12:30pm
- Saturday 19 September 2:30pm-5pm
- Second round auditions Sunday 20 September 10am–5pm
- Final round auditions Sunday 27 September 10am-4pm
- Term 1 (Oct-Dec)
- Intensive workshops Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October, Saturday 5 December, 10am-4pm
- Evening workshops Thursdays and Fridays 29 October-11 Dec, 6-9pm
- Term 2 (Jan-March)
- Intensive workshops Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 January, Saturday 6 February, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March, 10am-4pm
- Evening workshops Thursdays and Fridays 7 January-19 March 6-9pm
- Rehearsals (paid) Full time daytime rehearsals, evenings may be required. Monday 22 March-Saturday 3 April
- Production week (paid) Full time daytime rehearsals, evenings will be required. Monday 5 – Saturday 10 April
- Closing session Thursday 15 April, 6-9pm
HOW TO APPLY:
- Fill in our online application form by Monday 7 September, 10am. See key dates for audition and project dates.
- If you secure a place, this programme costs £25 per term (free to apply) - If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support.
ABOUT THE SELECTION PROCESS:
- Initial application – this will be an online form gathering your details, along with a section that can be written or a video uploaded allowing us to hear why you are applying for the course. If an online application is inaccessible to you, please contact advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk and arrangements can be made for you to receive support with this form. Those eligible and shortlisted will be offered an audition slot.
- The audition – There will be a group workshop that will include ensemble skills, drama games and an opportunity for us to see how you work in a group. We will be looking for participants to demonstrate openness, generosity and creative collaboration skills as well as potential and talent.
- Second and final round auditions – At the end of the first round of auditions there are a possible 3 outcomes: an invitation to a second round audition, an invitation to the final round of auditions, or an email saying that we won’t be taking your application further. The second round of auditions is reserved for anyone who we feel didn’t get a chance to showcase their best work in the first round. A selection of auditionees from this second round is then invited to the final round.
We will be aiming to bring together young people from a range of backgrounds and experience levels to create a company that will learn and grow together during the 6 month project.
Following the audition: You will be informed if you have been offered a place on the project by Friday 17 October and invited to complete an acceptance form to secure your place on the project. For those not offered a place, we will direct you to the Roundhouse youth programme for information on more creative activities and programmes.
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Interested in creative writing for performance? Our monthly Writers Drop In is a flexible space to learn, experiment, and develop your creative voice. Every month, we switch things up to explore a completely different style of writing. You will try your hand at everything from scriptwriting for stage and screen to contemporary poetry and spoken word.
Full line-up details for each specific session will be announced closer to the dates, but each workshop follows the same open format. This is the perfect space to gather inspiration, play with fresh concepts, and test out ideas without a massive long-term commitment.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
- Fresh inspiration: Try fun creative writing exercises to help you generate new work.
- Explore new genres: Learn how to write for different types of performance, like theatre, spoken word and screen.
- Writing techniques: Discover exciting modern writers and learn more about their techniques.
- Constructive feedback: Practice sharing your text and giving helpful feedback in a supportive space.
- New connections: Meet other young creatives and grow your local network of writers.
WHO IT'S FOR:
This workshop is for anyone aged 18–25 interested in creative writing for different performance platforms. All experience levels are welcome, whether you are just starting out or already writing, and want to explore different types of writing.
HOW TO JOIN:
- No Advance Booking: This is a drop in project, you don’t need to book a space online beforehand.
- Arrive Early: Sign up open 30 minutes before the session starts.
- Check In: Head to the Roundhouse Creative Studios front desk to sign up and pay £2 on arrival.
- First-Come Basis: Spaces are first-come, first-served. Arrive by the start time at the latest to secure your spot. Latecomers will only be admitted if there’s space.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
- Dates: Mondays, 5 Oct, 2 Nov, 7 Dec
- Time: 6.30–8.30pm
- Ages: 18–25
- Location: Roundhouse Works
- Price: £2 per session - If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support.
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Want to feel completely connected to your physicality on stage? Explore how movement works as a powerful storytelling tool in contemporary performance. Whether you are an actor, dancer, or poet, this project will unlock your full physical confidence.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
- Movement Techniques: Explore physical theatre styles and movement exercises built to unlock deep coordination and a commanding stage presence.
- Creative Collaboration: Experiment as an ensemble to build unique performance work rooted in group trust and collective creativity.
- Physical Storytelling: Discover how to build compelling narratives using rhythm, gesture, and physical expression instead of relying on spoken text.
- Devising Skills: Develop your own distinctive movement signatures and amplify your unique creative voice.
- The Showcase: Apply your skills to co-create a short piece with your peers for an informal sharing.
WHO IT'S FOR:
- Age: 18–25 year olds.
- Skill Level: Open to all, but highly relevant if you have a little bit of theatre or movement experience.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
- Dates: Tue 3 November–8 December
- Times: 6.45–8.30pm (Please arrive by 6.30pm to sign in)
- Location: Roundhouse Studios
- Price: £25 - If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support.
- What to wear: Comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in, and a bottle of water.
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Explore where physical skills meet contemporary storytelling in the exciting world of circus theatre.
Whether your background is in theatre, dance, circus or cabaret, expand your creative toolkit, discover how to build imaginative narratives, and collaborate with other performance makers to create something entirely new.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
- Circus principles: Explore the fundamentals of circus theatre and physical storytelling
- Ensemble Devising: Develop ensemble and collaborative performance skills
- Storytelling and movement: Discover how narrative and character can be expressed through physical performance and space
- Artist Toolkit: Learn modern physical devising techniques used by boundary-pushing contemporary circus creators.
WHO IT'S FOR:
- Age: 18–25 year olds.
- Skill Level: Open to all backgrounds! Whether your experience is in traditional theatre, contemporary dance, circus, or cabaret, this workshop is your space to experiment. Come with an open mind and be ready to move. You don’t need to have any circus skills to participate.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
- Date: Saturday 31 October
- Times: 10.30am-1pm
- Location: Roundhouse Studios
- Price: £5 - If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support.
- What to bring: Comfortable clothes to move in and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Looking to hone your stage skills? Whether you’re interested in acting, dancing, or just performing on stage, this weekly Theatre Drop-In gives you space to stay creative, build confidence, and explore new approaches to performance.
Each session offers a fresh focus, from improv and ensemble work to devising and cabaret. Led by experienced facilitators who’ll help you experiment, play, and develop your craft in a supportive, relaxed environment. You can join every week or drop in whenever you can – each session stands alone.
WHAT DO I GET BY TAKING PART?
- A guided creative outlet once a week
- Meet other theatre makers and performers
- Learn from expert facilitators in a supportive, non-judgmental space
- Take away potential new ideas or inspiration for new work
WHO IS TEACHING THE PROJECT?
Phao May is a Movement Director, Director, Choreographer and Facilitator, working across stage and screen in London. She attained a foundation in Acting from RADA in 2014, and later an MA in Movement Directing and Teaching from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2022. She has collaborated with Soho Theatre, The Bush, and National Youth Theatre and created work for Edinburgh Fringe and The Vaults. Her creative work spans plays, devised work, commercials, music videos and live comedy, working with trained actors and musicians, community groups and comedians.
Isaac Jordan is a theatre director, writer and facilitator. His work focuses on the intersection of community heritage, theatre and storytelling: exploring ways to celebrate and strengthen everyday communities. As well as working with the Roundhouse, he has collaborated with organisations including the Natural History Museum, SPID Theatre, the Pink Singers, UCL, Half Moon Theatre and Richmond Theatre.
Plus guests! We will also have guest tutors for some sessions who will bring their expertise from different elements of theatre and performance.
DO I NEED ANY PARTICULAR SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE TO TAKE PART?
You don’t need any specific skills, but this will be most relevant to people who have done at least a bit of theatre or dance before. Open to all levels – we welcome back people who have attended previous terms.
HOW TO JOIN:
This is a drop in session, just come to the front desk of Roundhouse Studios and pay £2 on arrival. It’s first come first serve with limited spaces so we ask that you arrive fifteen minutes before the start time at the latest to sign in. Latecomers will be admitted only if there is space.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
- Dates: Wednesdays, 7 Oct – 9 Dec (no session 28 Oct)
- Time: 6.45–8.30pm (Arrive by 6.30pm at the latest to sign in)
- Ages: 18–25
- Location: Roundhouse Studios
- Price: £2 - If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support.
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Ready to create live performance that breaks the rules? This intensive 8-week project is a space to play and take creative risks. Use your own ideas, experiences, and imagination to build original live performance from scratch.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
- Devising Skills: Learn creative approaches to shape original performance through writing, movement, improvisation, and collaboration.
- Confidence: Grow your confidence in experimenting, taking creative risks, and contributing your ideas within an ensemble.
- Performance-Making: Develop collaboration, storytelling, and reflective practice while gaining insight into contemporary devising processes.
- Finding Your Voice: Explore different creative disciplines like theatre, spoken word, and live art to express your ideas.
- The Scratch Night: Share your devised performance with an audience of friends and family in a professional studio showcase.
- Community: Meet and collaborate with other passionate young creatives who love making original work.
WHO IT'S FOR:
- Age: 15–17 year olds
- Skill Level: Open to everyone, including brand-new participants with no previous experience required. Perfect if you are thinking about taking theatre forward.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
- Dates: Saturdays, 3 October – 5 December (no sessions 31 October during half term week)
- Time: 10:30am – 1pm
- Location: Roundhouse Works Backstage Studio
- Price: £25 - If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support.
- What to bring: Wear clothes and footwear comfortable for movement (like leggings or tracksuits) and bring a bottle of water.
- Contact for more information about this project: performingarts.projects@roundhouse.org.uk
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Ready to bring theatre’s most iconic showdowns to life safely? From the dramatic to the comedic, this half-term project will teach you the fundamentals of stage combat and how to use them to perform some of Shakespeare’s best-known scenes.
You don’t need to be an expert in Shakespeare to take part or have any previous combat experience. Our facilitators will guide your own discovery of the world of Shakespeare and art of stage combat!
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
- Combat Fundamentals: Learn safe physical storytelling and stage combat techniques from professional practitioners.
- Physical Choreography: Master timing, spatial awareness, and safe handling of performance props using your body.
- Creative Interpretation: Explore classic dramatic and comedic scenes to build your own unique performance style.
- Teamwork & Trust: Develop essential communication skills while collaborating closely with a supportive group.
- Text & Movement: Gain confidence blending spoken script lines smoothly with dynamic physical action.
- The Showcase: Share your work in front of an audience of friends and family.
WHO IT'S FOR:
- Age: 15-17 year olds.
- Skill Level: Completely open to beginners. All levels of experience are welcome.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
- Dates: Tue 27-Thu 29 Oct
- Times: 2pm–5pm
- Location: Roundhouse Studios
- Price: £10 - If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support.
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Do you have a passion or idea and want to start your own business? Gain the confidence, knowledge, skills, and techniques to start your own business and become self-employed!
Our self employment programme has been developed specifically to cater to the needs of young people with disabilities and autism.
We can arrange individual or small group sessions in any of the following areas:
- Receive mentorship, specialist support and attend our business school to trial your business.
- Develop your knowledge on how to become self employed through workshops.
- Practice social skills and build confidence, helping you to develop and present your own business plan.
- Learn from the best on how to elevate your business idea and receive feedback to help you improve.
- Gain insight into specific sectors and research what is already out there in your chosen field so you can build a unique business.
We can support you to develop bespoke self-employment advice that matches your skillset passions and talent!
Contact Caroline for more information:
- Email: Caroline.Archer@afkcharity.org
- Phone: 020 8347 8111
For more information and to refer yourself, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Ever wondered what it’s like to lead a theatre production? Step into the director’s chair and learn the art of making bold creative choices that captivate an audience.
In this workshop led by a professional director, collaborate with other young creatives to experiment with live staging, visual storytelling, and collaborative room leadership.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
- Director’s Vision: Explore the vital role of a director in shaping modern theatre and live performance.
- Concept Development: Learn industry techniques to transform raw ideas into compelling creative concepts.
- Leading Performers: Work directly alongside peers to shape powerful stage moments and character journeys.
- Staging & Storytelling: Experiment with spatial blocking, physical movement, and visual narrative tools.
- Leadership Skills: Develop the communication and leadership confidence needed to command a rehearsal room.
- Creative Toolkit: Take away practical, industry-standard tools to kickstart your own future creative projects.
WHO IT'S FOR:
- Age: 15–17 year olds.
- Skill Level: Perfect for all levels. No previous experience is required – just a passion for storytelling.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
- Date: Sat 12 December
- Times: 10.30am–1pm
- Location: Roundhouse Studios
- Price: £5 - If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support.
- What to bring: Please bring a notepad and a pen.
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Are you passionate about theatre and curious about what it takes to work in the industry? Join Edinburgh Playhouse for an exciting week-long programme designed for young people aged 14–18 who want to explore the many career opportunities available both on and off the stage.
Learn directly from industry professionals about a wide range of theatre careers, including:
- Costume
- Wigs, Hair & Make-Up
- Technical Production
- Front of House
- Acting
- Directing
- Set Design
- And more!
Participants will enjoy a combination of practical workshops, industry talks, Q&A sessions, live theatre experiences, and hands-on work experience. Taking place alongside Jersey Boys, this unique opportunity includes a chance to watch the production and hear from members of the team working behind the scenes to bring the show to life.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME:
The aim of this week is to inspire the next generation of theatre-makers and artists by showcasing the many pathways into the industry. From the talent seen on stage to the skilled professionals working behind the scenes, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what goes into creating productions and running a successful theatre.
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE:
Times: Approximately 10:30am–4:00pm each day, with later finishes on show days. Thursdays and Saturdays are likely to finish around 5:00pm. Schedule will be sent out to participants at least 1 week in advance
- Tuesday 13th October - Backstage Tour, Q&A with the Playhouse Technical Team
- Wednesday 14th October - Costume Workshop, Special Effects Make-Up Workshop
- Thursday 15th October - Jersey Boys Production Workshop, Front of House Shadowing (Matinee Performance)
- Friday 16th October - Acting Workshop, Directing Workshop
- Saturday 17th October - Set Design Workshop, Attend matinee performance of Jersey Boys
Please note: the schedule is subject to change.
Cost: £225.00 per participant
Bursary places and payment plans are available. Please get in touch to discuss your options.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This is a ATG Inspire event. Tickets for ATG Inspire events are non-transferable and non-refundable. Please note that there is no wheelchair or lift access to these workshops. If you have any access requirements, please get in touch and we will be happy to discuss how we can support you edinburghinspire@atgentertainment.com