Young People's workshops
Are you aged 13 – 25 and want to take part in workshops, meet new people and see world-class theatre?
Whether you have a keen interest in theatre, or you’ve never been to the National Theatre before, our In Focus workshops offer a welcoming environment for an in-depth look at our shows.
Applications are now open for our next In Focus workshops on The Importance of Being Earnest and Ballet Shoes.
Want to keep up to date about Young People’s opportunities?
In Focus: The Importance of Being Earnest
For 16 – 21 Year Olds
We’ll be lifting the lid on our production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Come and take part in a day of workshops at the National Theatre to explore the play in more depth with creatives working across the production.
You’ll take part in two workshops and a panel discussion, exploring and experimenting with creative teams across this production. This workshop day is aimed at hands-on theatre-makers; you could be interested in performing, directing or playwrighting, or design – everyone is welcome. Each workshop has a different focus but aims to enhance your understanding of how productions are made by exploring different elements.
These opportunities are free to take part in – no prior experience is necessary, just a sense of curiosity and creativity!
As part of the day, you will also receive a free ticket to see the production that same evening.
Date: Thursday 23 January
Workshop: 1pm – 6pm
Performance: 7.30pm
Location: All sessions will take place at the National Theatre, London
Please note: you must be able to attend the full day to take part.
Applications for this event are now closed.
In Focus: Ballet Shoes
For 13 – 16 Year Olds
Coming up we can’t wait to explore Ballet Shoes, a spectacular new re-imagining by Kendall Feaver of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel.
The workshop will be led by members of the show’s creative team and will explore the wonderfully whimsical elements of this production. This will be a practical theatre-making workshop, so come ready to make, move and create. There will also be time at the end of the workshop for a short Q&A with the creative and the NT team.
These opportunities are free to take part in – no prior experience is necessary, just a sense of curiosity and creativity!
As part of the day, you will also receive a free ticket to see the production that same evening.
Date: Saturday 18 January 2025
Workshop: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Performance: 1.30pm (Olivier Theatre)
Location: All sessions will take place at the National Theatre, London
Please note: you must be able to attend the full day to take part.
Applications for this event are now closed.
How it works
Led by members of the shows creative teams, you’ll take part in an engaging workshop at the National Theatre, followed by seeing the production you’re exploring.
Workshop content varies depending on the show, but workshops may focus on movement or playwrighting, rehearsal room practice or performing, directing and much more.
These opportunities are free to take part in – no prior experience is necessary, just a sense of curiosity and creativity!
Recruitment
The National Theatre’s Young People programme is committed to diversity and access.
Therefore, we concentrate our recruitment on young people from groups in three areas that we recognise have been most affected by the events of the last few years, including:
- young people from the global majority;
- young people from working class backgrounds;
- and d/Deaf, neurodivergent and disabled young people.
The In Focus opportunities above take place at the National Theatre on the South Bank in London, and therefore we aim to offer and prioritise places to those based in London, or who can travel to London easily and safely within the workshop day. This project is free to take part in and access support and travel bursaries are available to those in the Greater London area.
For those based around the UK and farther afield, we frequently offer online workshops and programmes nationally which may be accessible to you – to keep up to date about these opportunities, you can sign up to our mailing list here.
Our funders
The Young People’s programmes are supported by Bank of America, The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation and the Richard Radcliffe Trust. With thanks to the MAP Fund.
The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.
Nationwide learning is supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Tim and Sarah Bunting, Behrens Foundation, Cleopatra Trust and Milton Grundy Foundation.
Contact us
Kirsten Adam
Head of Young People’s Programmes
Izzy Cotterill
Young People’s Project Manager
You can contact the Young People team on youth@nationaltheatre.org.uk
Photos © Belinda Lawley
Young People’s programmes, 2023
More to explore
Connections
You can gain backstage experience if your school or youth group takes part in Connections, our annual national youth drama festival.
Space to Create
Bring your ideas to life with Space to Create, our free devising programme.
Theatre Tickets
Get £5 or £10 tickets if you’re under 25 years old and unlock amazing shows at the National Theatre.