Estate-based Youth Theatres

We have been providing high quality open access youth theatres on estates in Hackney since 1998. The programme has engaged thousands of participants who do not traditionally have access to arts opportunities. All our sessions are free, inclusive and open to all.

Helping participants develop improved skills.

This established model aims to help participants develop improved interpersonal skills, artistic abilities, and emotional health & wellbeing, which has been endorsed by the Centre for Youth Impact as having a significant impact on young people. The projects are delivered within a community context and help to build community cohesion.

We are currently running nine free weekly youth theatres on Estates across Hackney for young people from ages 5-25, including a dedicated session for young people with disabilities. We also offer school holiday projects which provide participants with hot food or refreshments. We offer accreditation for participants, which include AQAs, and regularly submit young people for achievement awards.

Our Programmes

We have been providing high quality open access youth theatres on estates in Hackney since 1998. The programme has engaged thousands of participants who do not traditionally have access to arts opportunities. All our sessions are free, inclusive and open to all.

  • Nightingale (Ages 6-12)

    Young people will be part of a creative, fun and safe environment lead by facilitators from the creative industry.

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  • Homerton - SEND Group (Ages 12-25)

    We run a dedicated session for young people aged 12-25 with disabilities on Monday evenings. The weekly drama sessions provide a fun and supportive environment for participants to express themselves.

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  • Forest Road (Ages 5-12)

    Young people will be part of a creative, fun and safe environment lead by facilitators from the creative industry.

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  • Kingsmead Youngers (Ages 5-9)

    Take part in fun, weekly drama sessions where you will learn drama skills and explore devising techniques, writing scripts and performing.

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  • Pembury (Ages 7-12)

    Take part in fun, weekly drama sessions where you will learn drama skills and explore devising techniques, writing scripts and performing.

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  • Kingsmead Olders (Ages 9-13)

    Take part in fun, weekly drama sessions where you will learn drama skills and explore devising techniques, writing scripts and performing.

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  • Woodberry Down (Ages 11-14)

    Take part in fun, weekly drama sessions where you will learn drama skills and explore devising techniques, writing scripts and performing.

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  • Advanced Youth Theatre (14+)

    Our advanced group for ages 14+ focuses more on developing theatre skills, including acting, writing and directing.

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  • De Beauvoir Estate (Ages 13-19)

    Young people will be part of a creative, fun and safe environment lead by facilitators from the creative industry.

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  • Breakout 2023

    Breakout is a free Summer holiday project for 7-12 year-olds in Hackney. The project takes place from the 24th-28th July this year at Nisbet House Community Hall.

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  • Exposure 2023

    Exposure is a free Summer holiday project for 13 - 18 (up to 25 for young people with SEND) in Hackney. The project takes place from the 7th-19th August this year at Nisbet House Community Hall, culminating in final performances at The Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick!

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