Exposure Summer Project 2026

What is exposure?

Exposure is a powerful, intensive, real-world theatre experience for young people aged 14–19 (up to 25 with additional needs), where young people come together to create, perform, and grow, both on stage and beyond it.

Over 11 days, you’ll work as a professional theatre company to:

• Develop an original production
• Create spoken word and choreography
• Rehearse, refine, and perform to live audiences
• This workshop is a platform for your voice, your ideas, and your future.

When & where is Exposure being held?

Exposure 2026 will run from the 3rd of August to the 15th of August

Time: 10:30-17:30

With performances on:

Friday 14th - 2pm & 7pm

Saturday 15th - 5pm

Location: Hackney Downs - contact us for exact location

Apply now spaces are limited and demand is high.

Contact Charmain to sign up – charmain@immediate-theatre.com |+44 7525 892953

This year’s theme: Pressures young people face

This year, the company will explore mental health, identity, and belonging.

The performance is set inside a youth wellbeing group and brings to life the stories behind each member.

Together, you’ll explore powerful, real-world issues including:

• Social media and its impact on mental health
• Pressure and expectations facing young people
• Housing instability and displacement
• School exclusion and labelling
• Masculinity, judgement, and online culture
• Being a young carer and emotional burnout

Using spoken word, movement, and theatre, you’ll create work that connects, challenges, and inspires.

What you’ll experience

You’ll spend 10 days (10:30am–5:30pm) working in a focused, supportive environment where discipline, teamwork, and creativity come together.

Performance & creation

• Build a show from the ground up
• Perform at a professional theatre venue
• Showcase your work to friend, family, and industry professionals

Full production experience

Interested in more than performing?

You can get involved in:

• Set design
• Costume
• Sound
• Marketing

Professional guidance

Work alongside:

• Theatre directors
• A choreographer
• Industry professionals who will push and support you

Performance dates

Showcase your work in a professional theatre:

• Friday 14th - 2pm & 7pm

• Saturday 15th - 5pm

Your future starts here

Exposure is designed to support your next steps, not just your summer.

You’ll receive:

• A 'headshot' for your CV
• Portfolio material and evidence of your work
• An AQA Unit Award Exploring Theatre Skills
• One-to-one guidance on education, training, and careers

At higher levels, you may even:

• Direct scens
• Lead warmups
• Create and develop complex characters

Real impact. Real transformation.

Last year, some young people felt unsure, hesitant to speak, and hesitant to step forward. They avoided attention and found it difficult to engage. But, over time, they were standing on stage, confident and ready to be heard. Speaking clearly, moving proudly & believing in themselves. By the end, they left with confidence, belief, and a completely new sense of self. This is what Exposure makes possible.

What people say

Being able to learn all my lines and play various characters was a big achievement for me.

Participant

It was an honour to direct the young people… they all dug deep to tell these stories with truth.

Hannah Drummond, Director

So impressed by the maturity, sensibility and skill of the ensemble.

Audience Member

What you’ll gain

Exposure gives you more than skills, it gives you direction.

• Confidence and self-expression
• Teamwork and leadership skills
• A sense of belonging
• A platform to be heard
• A clearer path for your future

We remove barriers

We want everyone to be able to take part.

• Hot meal provided every day
• Fully supported environment
• One-to-one guidance throughout

Is this for you?

Exposure is for you if you:

• Want to try something creative
• Care about real issues affecting young people
• Want to build confidence and skills
• Are ready to commit and challenge yourself

You don’t need experience, just willingness.

Don’t miss out

Last year, young people didn’t just perform.

They:

• Found their voice
• Built confidence
• Created powerful work
• Changed how they saw themselves

This year, it’s your turn.

Apply now spaces are limited and demand is high.

Be part of something meaningful. Step into your potential. Make your story heard

Contact Charmain to sign up – charmain@immediate-theatre.com |+44 7525 892953

This event has been made possible with funding from Discover Young Hackney (DYH)