We offer opportunities to explore technical theatre, stage management and design for young people aged 11-18.
Our courses and masterclasses give creative young people the opportunity to gain a real insight into drama school training and the wider 'backstage' industries. Specialist classes are delivered by a variety of professionals, in skills including lighting, sound, stage management, prop making, costume and set design.
Across a two-day short course, you will have the chance to try a variety of backstage roles and skills in a series of hands-on workshops with specialist tutors who are working professionals. No previous experience is necessary - just an interest in getting creative, an enjoyment of making things, and a willingness to get stuck in!
There are opportunities for anyone who is interested in learning some of the skills required for careers in:
We are committed to giving every young person aged 11 - 18 with a passion for theatre the opportunity to benefit from the specialist drama training delivered by RWCMD, regardless of experience or financial means.
We place great importance on making our courses accessible to all young people who have a genuine interest in theatre, if you have any questions regarding financial support please get in touch.
Interested in studying a performing arts subject at university in 2027?
A three-day residential summer school
28th - 30th July 2026
Engage in a taste of first year life. Experience student accommodation. Explore LIPA and Liverpool. GET SET to take the next step.
What do you do on Get Set?
Is Get Set for you?
This summer school is for students who are currently in Year 12 or equivalent and will be under the age of 18 at the end of July 2026. To join us you must also meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
Illuminate Drama Teacher CPD Day is back for its fifth year on the South Coast!
Join us in person for a full day of inspiring workshops, featuring exciting opportunities to meet and talk with theatre education specialists, industry professionals, and fellow drama teachers.
This year we will have three workshops throughout the day that will each take a deep dive into different practices over the course of two hours. You will get to partake in all the following workshops:
Workshops will take place across both of our venues: Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios.
There will also be the exclusive opportunity to see Blood Brothers at Mayflower Theatre for an additional £20 to round off a theatrical and inspiring day!
Please note spaces are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis. Payment must be made before Friday 19 December 2026 otherwise your place will be released.
British Academy of Dramatic Combat Standard Level Certification in Unarmed Combat
Want to try your hand at fighting for stage and screen and gain an industry recognised certification in the process? Then join us for Dramatic Combat this Summer!
This 5-day intensive course focuses on the fundamental skills and principles required for performing effective, believable and safe unarmed (hand to hand) combat for stage and screen- the most frequently used skill in any actor-combatant’s toolkit.
The training will enable participants to gain understanding and confidence in physical techniques and performance skills, participants will learn how to:
The training is progressive and culminates in a fight performance which is assessed by a British Academy of Dramatic Combat Examiner. Participants perform a choreographed fight with a partner within the context of a scripted scene. If successful, performers will attain a BADC Standard Level Certification in Unarmed Combat, which is industry recognised by Equity and Spotlight.
Due to the nature of the course minimum training hours are required to enter the Examination therefore you must have 100% attendance for the full 5 days. Please note that the course is intensive, very active and requires sustained mental and physical engagement each day.
Stage and screen combat practice is designed to be inclusive for the management of pre existing conditions or learning needs. Please mention this information on sign up so the the tutor can be informed prior to the start of the course.
A chance to spend a few days exploring drama at the Unity, meet new friends, enjoy games, creating characters, puppetry and more with brilliant practitioners. All abilities welcome.
Week 1 of Summer:
Jersey Week 1 (8-21years): Tuesday 21st July - Sunday 26th 2026
Week 2 of Summer:
Jersey Week 2 (8-21years): Tuesday 28th - Sunday 2nd August 2026
Brighton Week 1 (Year 3-13): Tuesday 28th - Sunday 2nd August 2026
Brighton Weeny Week 1 (Reception to Year 12): Wednesday 29th July - Sunday 2nd August 2026
Week 3 of Summer:
Brighton Week 2 (Year 3-13): Tuesday 4th August - Sunday 9th August 2026
Brighton Weeny Week 2 (Reception- Year 2): Wednesday 5th August - Sunday 9th August 2026
Birmingham (Year 3- Year 13): Tuesday 4th August - Saturday 8th August 2026
Birmingham Weeny (Reception- Year 12): Wednesday 5th August - Saturday 8th August 2026
Week 4 of Summer:
Watford Summer School (7- 18years): Monday 10th August - Friday 14th August 2026
Watford Weeny Summer School (4-6years): Tuesday 11th August - Friday 14th August 2026
Week 5 of summer:
Saffron Walden (Year 3- 11): Monday 17th August - Saturday 21st August 2026
Join us this summer to create a brand-new piece of theatre at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
Designed for people aged 11–13,, this exciting week-long course invites young creatives to collaborate, experiment and bring their ideas to life.
Working with a friendly team of experienced theatre practitioners, young people will spend five days developing an original performance from scratch. Together we’ll devise scenes, create characters, write scripts, design sets and build props — all while developing performance skills through games and practical exercises.
The week will culminate in a performance in our professional Factory Theatre on Friday 21 August 2026 at 4pm.
This is a brilliant opportunity for young people interested in drama and theatre-making to get creative, have fun and collaborate on a performance.
Whether you’re a theatre fanatic or interested in trying something new, we’d love to welcome you to Summer School 2026!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Working with a professional creative team, you will rehearse here at the theatre each day. The sessions will be full of creative games, practical exercises, and theatre-making activities, where you will work as an ensemble to create a new piece of theatre. Bring your ideas, enthusiasm, and energy!
The Summer School will include:
Join us this summer to create a brand-new piece of theatre at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
Designed for people aged 14–18, this exciting week-long course invites young creatives to collaborate, experiment and bring their ideas to life.
Working with a friendly team of experienced theatre practitioners, young people will spend five days developing an original performance from scratch. Together we’ll devise scenes, create characters, write scripts, design sets and build props — all while developing performance skills through games and practical exercises.
The week will culminate in a performance in our professional Factory Theatre on Friday 21 August 2026 at 4pm.
This is a brilliant opportunity for young people interested in drama and theatre-making to get creative, have fun and collaborate on a performance.
Whether you’re a theatre fanatic or interested in trying something new, we’d love to welcome you to Summer School 2026!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Working with a professional creative team, you will rehearse here at the theatre each day. The sessions will be full of creative games, practical exercises, and theatre-making activities, where you will work as an ensemble to create a new piece of theatre. Bring your ideas, enthusiasm, and energy!
The Summer School will include:
Join us for a week of drama games, storytelling and prop-making at Tobacco Factory Theatres!
Designed for children aged 8-10, this exciting week-long course invites young people to develop their drama skills through games, imaginative play, role-play, and storytelling.
Guided by a friendly creative team of experienced theatre practitioners, children will work together to invent their own characters, create scenes, explore imaginary worlds and design their own props and costumes.
The days will be fun, playful and imaginative, with a range of creative, physical and craft activities.
Join us on the final day, Friday 14th August at 3.30pm for an informal performance of what we’ve explored throughout the week.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As it’s summer, we will also take a daily trip to the local park for fresh air and outdoor games!
Join us for a week of drama games, storytelling and prop-making at Tobacco Factory Theatres!
Designed for children aged 5-7, this exciting week-long course invites young people to develop their drama skills through games, imaginative play, role-play, and storytelling.
Guided by a friendly creative team of experienced theatre practitioners, children will work together to invent their own characters, create scenes, explore imaginary worlds and design their own props and costumes.
The days will be fun, playful and imaginative, with a range of creative, physical and craft activities.
Join us on the final day, Friday 14th August at 3.30pm for an informal performance of what we’ve explored throughout the week.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As it’s summer, we will also take a daily trip to the local park for fresh air and outdoor games!
