Creative Voices
Creative Voices is an intervention programme providing young people with the opportunity to express themselves. Our aim is to empower young people to tell the stories that matter to them and bring their ideas to life.
Through drama, we create opportunities for self-expression, character development, and performance in a collaborative and supportive environment.
The Process
Our experienced practitioners use a range of techniques to help young people develop characters, build narratives and develop performance skills. We work in a collaborative way that enables participants to have agency over how they choose to express their creativity.
Some young people and practitioners perform alongside each other at the end of programme sharing. Others choose to write, direct or offer technical support. This fosters a deep sense of involvement and shared ownerships, developing teamwork skills as everyone is given the space to make their own contributions.
Through drama, we explore arrange of themes and consequences, reflecting on what is happening to each of the characters and why. This results in cutting edge contemporary stories full of dilemmas and drama whilst offering insight into young lives. Previous themes have included:
- Family & Fatherhood
- Consent & Relationships
- Trust & Betrayal
- Exploitation & Safety
- Dreams & Aspirations
During the last session, young people get to showcase their creative productions to friends and family. We invite a theatre designer to transform the space into the young peoples’ desired setting so that we share the story the group has created to maximum effect.
We run Creative Voices in various different settings, including the Youth Justice Service, schools, pupil referral units and youth centres.
Outcomes
At the end of the programme a lot of the young people report positive feedback, often noting how the programme offered them valuable skills and insight into practicing their own creativity. Participants develop a sense of belonging through storytelling and drama with their peers, supporting their confidence and communication skills.
The Creative Voices process works well for those eager to participant in drama and even for those who might not have considered it before.
“Even if you don't really want to be that character you can still put into that character, and help build that character. We feel a lot more involved. Because each of us - like every single character and everything they've done - we've all put into it. And that makes us feel a lot better."
We deliver Creative Voices in a variety of settings including the Youth Justice Service, schools, pupil referral units, and youth centres.
To discuss a similar project in your setting please email our Senior Producer, natalie@londonbubble.org.uk.