Over the course of the Autumn term, Arcola Youth Theatre (AYT) have worked on developing their own play for a performance in Spring 2026.

At a time when young people’s experience with drama is typically within an educational setting, the shift to youth theatre can be challenging at first, but we encourage Arcola Youth Theatre to use theatre to step into their own. This term culminates in a sharing to parents and carers – giving them insight into what happens in a youth theatre session.

The creative arts has been part of education that has limited access for young people. In 2013, Drama was added to the English National Curriculum despite theatre being a fundamental aspect of society throughout the country’s history. The number of students taking drama at A Level has decreased by over half since 2010. At Arcola Youth Theatre, we prioritise the individualistic and subjective nature of live performance. By being given a space to create freely and push themselves creatively, the young theatre makers are able to develop their theatrical skills alongside transferable skills. Theatre offers the ability to learn to be more confident, expressive, form connections with peers and work collaboratively. It is important for young people to be given spaces and a platform to express themselves through the arts.  

During this term we are focused on developing the theatrical and stagecraft skills, guiding them through a devising process. Collectively, we set up 4 ground rules for performing. When the group shares back work that they have done during the sessions, we refer back to this framework to embed these ideas. This has been emphasised further by our focus on ensemble and company building this term. By running a wide variety of activities such as ice breakers, improvisational tasks, character creation sessions and devising exercises, the group is not only able to develop their performance skills but also their problem solving skills, all while building a sense of community. This development has been clear throughout the term and has allowed the young people to grow as theatre makers. When an individual shares an idea, the group runs with it and tries out a multitude of different ways to support their peers’ work.

In September 2025, AYT became part of the Jack Petchey Award Scheme Programme, which provides grants for the young people to put towards the development of the group. The young people voted for a member of the group who they believe deserved the grant and many individuals were acknowledged for their generosity, creativity and focus. Our Autumn 2025 winner was awarded for her welcoming nature, acting skills and making the sessions feel brighter. She chose to spend the grant on something from a wishlist that the group had created collectively. She decided to purchase props for their upcoming performance, alongside an end of term party to celebrate the group as a whole. 

Arcola Youth Theatre has developed pieces and characters collaboratively, pushed themselves creatively and formed a united company. The group will continue to develop their devised piece for a performance in Spring 2026. The addition of Jack Petchey will continue to allow us to celebrate individuals within the group, alongside developing the theatrical opportunities we offer here at Arcola Youth Theatre.