Arcola Participation is Arcola’s community, youth and schools programme.

Each year we offer thousands of opportunities for the people of Hackney, East and North East London to participate in the arts.

We are committed to challenging assumptions about what youth and community theatre can (and should) be, while providing opportunities to learn, train and perform under the guidance of world-class artists.

We aim to deliver high-quality productions that resonate both locally and globally, whilst maintaining Arcola’s welcoming and inclusive ethos.

Arcola Participation are currently running our adult Mental Health Community Theatre Company funded by Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund, supported by Westfield Stratford City and Foundation for Future London. This is a 10 week creative project, culminating in four performances at outside locations across East London. Check out the webpage here for more information on this project.

Arcola Youth Theatre will begin again in September 2022. Please see our Youth Theatre page for more information and to join the waiting list.


Arcola is also a signatory of the Family Arts Standards and Age-Friendly Standards, as well as an Artsmark Supporter and Arts Award Centre.

If you have any questions about Participation at Arcola, email participation@arcolatheatre.com


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