NW Youth Theatre Plus & Squared

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

Where does Youth Theatre take place?

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 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 open for Youth Theatre 2024- 2025 and close on Monday 1st July 2024 although we welcome applications throughout the year.

Click the link below to access the online application form, fill this in and submit it by Monday 1st July before 10am. 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.

If you need any assistance with filling in the form, get in touch with Kemi Edonmi on kedonmi@wolseytheatre.co.uk or call 01473 295 930.

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, so we are running an application and selection process. You will receive an email by the beginning of August to let you know if your application has been successful. 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.

If you are invited to join Youth Theatre, you will be a member for the academic year (September 2024-July 2025). 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 or would like to have a friendly chat with one of the Creative Communities team about any of our Youth Theatre groups, please get in touch:

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

Email us on: creativecommunities@wolseytheatre.co.uk