NW Youth Theatre 1-4

Delivered by the Creative Communities team and working with professional artists, our Youth Theatres sit at the heart of the New Wolsey Theatres offer to young people in Suffolk. We currently provide opportunities to people aged 7-21 to join us for weekly sessions during term time to make friends, explore creativity, and develop theatre-making skills.

Who can join?

Applications are now closed to join Youth Theatre groups 2, 3 and 4 but you can apply to our waiting list and applications for Youth Theatre 1 remain open. We’d love applications from people of all backgrounds, especially from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as deaf and disabled people, neurodivergent people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. You do not have to have any drama or Youth Theatre experience – just a willingness to get involved and explore your creativity!

‘Youth theatre is the highlight of my week. I absolutely love unwinding and being challenged in an environment of passionate and committed people who all love to do the same thing. Youth theatre has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and has really improved my confidence’ – Current Youth Theatre member

Which Youth Theatre group should I apply for?

All Youth Theatre groups take place at NW2, The New Wolsey Theatre’s participation space and home to the Creative Communities Team. The building sits directly in front of the Theatre on Civic Drive and is fully accessible.

How much does Youth Theatre cost?

There are a range of payment options including bursary (free) places- please see the table below and contact us if you have any queries:

Sounds great! How do I apply?

Applications are now closed for the next academic year for all groups except Youth Theatre 1. Please follow the link below to access our online application form, fill this in and submit it to join Youth Theatre 1 or join the waiting list for all other groups.. The email address you use on the application will be our main point of contact with you, please check your settings to ensure emails from the New Wolsey Theatre are on the safe list and will not go to spam/junk folder.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS OUR YOUTH THEATRES 1 APPLICATION FORM OR TO APPLY TO YOUTH THEATRE 2,3 or 4 WAITING LIST

What happens next?

You will receive a copy of your application via email – this is your confirmation that we have safely received it. We will be in touch if we can offer you a place.

This selection process is based upon our obligation as a publicly funded organisation to reflect the diversity of Suffolk in the membership of our Youth Theatres.

The Autumn term of Youth Theatre will begin the week commencing 11^th September 2023.

‘I have struggled in the past with confidence and sharing ideas, from doing these sessions before, my confidence has improved greatly and has made me feel accepted, I no longer feel worried about sharing my ideas.’– Current Youth Theatre member

What else do I need to know?

If you are invited to join Youth Theatre, you will be a member for the academic year (September 2023-July 2024). We ask for full commitment to your group so you will need to be available to attend weekly term-time sessions.

Whilst our aspiration is for you to stay with us and progress up through the Youth Theatre groups, our numbers are limited and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to invite you to join the following year.

We look forward to hearing from you!

If you have any questions, need assistance filling in the online form or would like to have a friendly chat with one of the Creative Communities team about Youth Theatre Plus or Youth Theatre Squared, please get in touch:

Call us on: 01473 295930 Monday- Friday 9am- 5pm.

Email us on: creativecommunities@wolseytheatre.co.uk.