There are plenty of ways for children, young people and families to get involved at Burnley Youth Theatre. From our inclusive Youth Theatre classes which offers a range of creative workshops for ages 0-18 (up to 25 with LDD) to getting involved in our devised and scripted productions. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible space for participants to develop their performance skills, build confidence and have fun.
The Youth Theatre follows the academic calendar and runs three ten week long seasons which focus on different aspects of theatre from skill building to exploring a wide range of art forms.
Workshops
Creative Families
Ages 0-1 and their parent/carer
Creative Families invites little ones and their grown-ups to step into a magical space where imaginations run wild. Activities will include sensory and interactive play to encourage creativity from an early age.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Creative Families
Ages 1-3 and their parent/carer
Creative Families invites little ones and their grown-ups to step into a magical space where imaginations run wild. Activities will include music, crafts, storytelling, and sensory play to encourage creativity from an early age.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Little Imaginations
Pre-school and Reception (Ages 3-5)
Help your child develop their confidence with Little Imaginations – an early year’s workshop involving fun drama games, storytelling and role play. This session is perfect for making new friends and developing creative skills.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Mini Theatre Makers
School years 1, 2 and 3
Filled with fun games, imaginative play and creative activities, Mini Theatre Makers introduces young children to the world of theatre. This workshop is tailored to give participants the confidence to create their first pieces of theatre using props, costumes and most importantly – their imaginations!
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Theatre Explorers
School years 4, 5 and 6
Participants will be encouraged to use their imagination, be creative and have fun through a range of drama games and exercises. The workshop helps improve confidence and teamwork skills – perfect for children who either love acting already or fancy trying something new.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Theatre Creatives
School years 7, 8 and 9
Develop your acting style with Theatre Creatives – an engaging workshop which teaches young people various techniques relating to character, voice and movement. Through acting exercises participants will gain the confidence and skills to try out new styles of theatre.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Young Actors
School years 10, 11, 12 and 13 (up to 25 for LDD)
Participants grow into confident young performers who share an in-depth understanding of performance skills, knowledge on different styles of theatre and the ability to create work as a team. This is achieved through activities which focus on character development, script work, movement, devising and improvisation.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Specialist Workshops
After the Rain
School Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (up to age 25 for LDD)
A welcoming and open space for anybody who is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or questioning and those who believe in equality and want to bring about change for the LGBTQ+ community. After the Rain explores and celebrates LGBTQ+ culture through the arts – developing projects and movements which celebrate and increase visibility of the North West’s LGBTQ+ Community.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Theatre for Change
School Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (up to age 25 for LDD)
A creative space where young people can explore the issues that matter to them today, such as Black Lives Matter, Climate Change and Social Inequality. The workshop develops a deeper understanding of how physical theatre, spoken word and other theatre techniques can be used to create change. Theatre for Change encourages young people to use the arts to promote a positive, political and social change within the local community and beyond.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Burnley Gets Hangry
School Years 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (up to age 25 for LDD)
#Burnley Gets Hangry is ready for the next stage! Following on from the success of the first project, Burnley Gets Hangry is back and ready to share the message of food inequality wider and louder! Want to join the #Gets Hangry movement? Come and join us in creative conversations about food inequality and be part of a performance group who is hungry to get their message heard and make a positive change in Burnley!
Disability Workshops
Junior Connect
School years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Filled with fun drama games, movement and music, Junior Connect introduces children with disabilities or learning difficulties to the world of theatre. This workshop is perfect for making friends and developing confidence. Fully supported session. Parents/Carers are welcome to meet us before to discuss individual needs.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Youth Connect
School years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. 12 and 13 (up to age 25 for LDD)
An engaging workshop which introduces young people with disabilities or learning difficulties to theatre, movement, and music. Through different drama games and exercises participants will gain confidence, make new friends and build skills. Fully Supported Session. Parents / Carers are welcome to meet us before to discuss individual needs.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Adult Connect
Ages 18+
A welcoming space for adults with disabilities or learning difficulties to work together, develop confidence and make friends. Adult Connect explores the world of theatre through various theatre activities tailored to encourage creativity, bring ideas to life and develop new skills. Carers are welcome to attend the session.
If the workshop has sold out please sign up to our waiting list.
Arts Award
Bronze Arts Award
Youth theatre participants aged 11-25
Do you know that you can complete your Arts Award by alongside your youth theatre workshop/ production at Burnley Youth Theatre?
This is a Level 1 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Once you have completed your booking, you will be sent a tailor made pack which you will complete independently alongside your Youth Theatre Workshops (or a production) at Burnley Youth Theatre!
How long will it take?
The Bronze Arts Award if completed alongside your youth theatre workshops should take you 10 weeks. However, you can go at your own pace and take longer if you prefer.
What does it involve?
As you take part in your youth theatre workshops you will reflect on your experiences in your portfolio. You will also get the opportunity to share your experiences of a live performance and share a drama game or skill to your youth theatre workshop participants.
You will create your portfolio using the step by step guide and have access to tailor made support from the centres arts award advisor.
For further information please contact laura.simpson@burnleyyouththeatre.org
Financial Support Grants
Using funding we receive from the Dan’s Trust we are able to offer financial support grants which will cover the cost of your child attending one workshop for 10 weeks. If you need financial support to attend workshops at Burnley Youth Theatre this season, please complete the form below to apply for a Financial Support Grant (up to £35 per season).
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWSK6MY6WqSDCjPUvo9bORnFLChN18NUFeSCqSR5EdQYfRrg/viewform