NW Youth Theatre Plus & Squared

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.

What is Youth Theatre Plus?

Youth Theatre Plus is specifically for autistic young people aged 11-16 (School years 7+) who will benefit from a more supported environment, and with less people in the space than our other youth theatre groups. Sessions provide fun and engaging opportunities to explore creativity, build confidence, aid communication and raise aspirations in a relaxed environment. The group is led by professional theatre practitioners with experience in making inclusive theatre. Each session looks at different ways to explore creative theatre making, and we aim to provide opportunities throughout the year to share work made with friends and family.

‘Having autism means I sometimes struggle to make sense of life – Youth Theatre helps me to connect and understand. It gives me a space where I feel I belong.’ – current Youth Theatre member

What is Youth Theatre Squared?

Youth Theatre Squared is specifically for disabled or neurodivergent young people aged 16-25 who want to explore theatre making and develop their creativity. Sessions enable participants to explore the world around them, build their confidence and develop their theatre making skills all through fun and creatively engaging activity in a supportive environment. The group is led by professional theatre practitioners with experience in making inclusive theatre.

‘I have made many friends who I like seeing each week. Youth theatre makes me feel happy and it helps bring out my confidence and enthusiasm in myself.’- current Youth Theatre member

Which Youth Theatre group should I apply for?

Youth Theatre Plus and Squared 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 accessible.

How much does it 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:

What else do I need to know?

If you are invited to join New Wolsey Youth Theatre, you will be a member for the academic year (September 2023-July 2024) and you will need to be available to attend weekly sessions.

Sounds great! How do I apply?

Please follow the link below to access our online application form, we welcome applications throughout the year based on availability in the 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 THEATRE PLUS AND YOUTH THEATRE SQUARED APPLICATION FORM

What happens next?

You will receive a copy of your application via email – this is your confirmation that we have safely received it. We have a limited number of spaces in our Youth Theatre groups, so we are running an application and selection process. Our Creative Communities Producer Becca Hall will contact you after we have received your application to have a chat and give you a bit more information about either Youth Theatre group.

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.

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.