Our Youth Perform festival is a unique opportunity for schools and community groups to create a 10 – 12-minute piece of original theatre and perform it alongside other groups and our New Wolsey Youth Theatre groups. Students work with theatre practitioners and technicians to create an memorable evening of theatre, music and dance.

Each year a different starting point is chosen for groups to create an original performance piece. The performance can use dance, drama, music or a mixture of any of these disciplines to present their ideas and there can be a maximum of 30 people in a group. Schools/groups that take part have two workshops from one of our practitioners, the first to kick-start the project, and the second to support the group in getting ready to perform on the New Wolsey stage.

The event takes place at the New Wolsey Theatre as part of our Open Season on Monday 22nd June and Tuesday 23rd June. Participants will have a technical rehearsal on stage prior to the performance – these happen throughout the day and preference for the later slots will be given to schools that are further away. There will be 5 groups performing in an evening.

Participating groups will receive:

  1. Resources to inspire you and your young people to kick start your devising process
  2. Two in-school workshops from a professional practitioner during the rehearsal process and advisory time with the teacher/practitioner
  3. Technical rehearsal at the New Wolsey Theatre with our tech team.
  4. Marketing material for the performance
  5. The opportunity to perform for the public at the New Wolsey Theatre

The festival is very popular and places are limited so you’ll need to express your interest as soon as possible. The cost of participating is £100 + VAT per school. The deadline for expressing your interest in taking part is Friday 31st January 2026 and we will confirm whether you have been successful by Monday 10th February 2026.