Our Young Theatre Makers program is now on its 7th cohort and we have gained another diverse and enthusiastic group. Between these young people we have budding artists interested in careers that range across the arts spectrum: singing, acting, drama facilitation, Fine Art and music production.

Our first couple of weeks were used to get to know each other through warm up games and ‘Meet the Group’ workshops. This is always a special time within any cohort when a group of talented individuals merges into a group of friends. Shortly after the dynamic is formed, our familiar drama sessions were mixed up with workshops led by professional facilitators including Adam Annand (Associate Director, Bubble) and Dan (external facilitator). These workshops introduced the Young Theatre Makers to Forum Theatre and Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed.

Having developed some experience and knowledge about the different ways in which to learn and teach through drama, the group are now in the process of foraging for current issues and themes. This week we are taking the techniques learnt so far into a local secondary school. The Young Theatre Makers will lead an informed workshop, intended to gather material which will be used to devise an audience specific piece of theatre. This is where our group of friends become a company of Actors.

Jade Dowsett-Roberts
Project Assistant and past participant
Young Theatre Makers