START is Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's accredited six-week performance programme for NEET (not in education, employment or training) young people aged 16-25 from West London.
START provides a space for young people to creatively explore the world of performance. Over six weeks, each cohort works with a team of professional theatre artists to create an original piece of theatre in response to the themes of a Lyric Main House production. Through engaging with drama activities, skill sharing, and watching live performances, the START cohort will build on their self-confidence, collaboration skills, emotional resilience, and self-esteem. Through this, the cohort will cultivate a group ethic of inclusivity, accessibility, encouragement, respect, and affirmation. This project is underpinned by a Bronze Arts Award accreditation.
DETAILS:
ELIGIBILITY:
* Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Westminster
As of 2026, START has been running for 20 years, engaging hundreds of young people and supporting them further on remarkable journeys.
Of those who participated in the programme between April 2022 – March 2024, 74% were referred onto employment, education or training, 78% cited improved soft skills and renewed motivation to achieve future goals and 67% took part in further Young Lyric activity, and 75% of participants reported a sustained or increased ability to maintain their emotions and wellbeing after completing START.
For more information and to refer, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Almeida Discourse is a free theatre review group for students aged 14-18 who live or study in Islington.
For anyone curious about theatre beyond performing, studying GCSE Drama or English, or keen to see Almeida shows for free, meet the creatives behind them, and get stuck in to unpacking the play.
Members are given an Almeida Discourse Collective card which gets them:
Key Dates:
All sessions will include free food and drink
If you have any questions about your application, please email schools@almeida.co.uk
For more information and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Our Writer’s Programme here at Theatre503 is focused on upskilling writers of all experience levels throughout the theatre industry and beyond. Facilitated by industry leaders, including 503 Alumni & 503 team members; our courses, masterclasses and intensives offer a vast range of topics to give every writer something to choose from. We offer a mix of in person & online sessions, making it accessible to writers both locally and throughout the globe.
To find out more about each Course, Masterclass or Intensive, please click on the session title of interest via the link below. Dates range from 9th September - 19th November.
We are delighted to be able to offer a limited number of concession rates for all Writers’ Programme sessions as well as 1-2-1 Dramaturgy for those for whom the cost is prohibitive. For further information, please email writersprogramme@theatre503.com or to book a place at a concession rate please call 0207 9787040. Please note, we do ask that concession tickets are kept at one per person, per season of the Writers’ Programme.
As these spaces are never on general sale, a session may look like it is sold out when there are Share The Drama spaces left, so please call the Box Office to access these spaces via the Share The Drama Scheme.
Accredited by Pearson
A two year course offering a qualification equivalent to 3 A-Levels, allowing progression to University or Drama School.
Over thirty tutor-led hours of training every week, leading to assessments and performance opportunities relating to your chosen pathway: Classical, Contemporary, Devised, Physical Theatre or full musicals. Highly qualified teachers deliver excellent training in purpose built premises.
This is a fully funded opportunity for committed and talented young people looking to develop their talent and creative potential.
www.bodenscollege.co.uk
