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Estate-based Youth Theatres

We have been providing FREE high quality open access youth theatres on estates in Hackney since 1998. The programme has engaged thousands of participants who do not traditionally have access to arts opportunities.

Our Model

This established model aims to help participants develop improved interpersonal skills, artistic abilities, and emotional health & wellbeing, which has been endorsed by the Centre for Youth Impact as having a significant impact on young people. The projects are delivered within a community context and help to build community cohesion.

We provide seven regular youth theatres on Estates across Hackney, delivering weekly after-school sessions and running holiday projects. We offer accreditation for participants, which include AQAs, and regularly submit young people for achievement awards. Several of our projects also provide people with hot food or refreshments.

View Recent Reports

Summer Exposure 2021

For young people aged 13 - 18 (up to 25 for young people with disabilities)

Monday 2nd - Saturday 21st August, Wally Foster Community Centre, Homerton Road, E9 5QB

This year, Exposure will be bigger and better than ever! The project runs for 3 weeks in August, with daily workshops and rehearsals at Wally Foster leading to two live performances at the Tower Theatre in Stoke Newington! Participants will explore the theme of Hopes, Dreams and Journeys and consider the barriers they face to achieving their dreams.

The project offers exciting opportunities to:

  • Work with a professional playwright & director, contributing their ideas to create a script
  • Explore the different roles in theatre and learn about the technical and backstage aspects
  • Work with a professional designer to create striking sets and costumes for the production
  • Perform live on a real theatre stage
  • Gain AQA Accreditation

To find out more or register your FREE place:

  • Email Nadya (Projects Manager) via nadya@immediate-theatre.com
  • Call Charmain (Participation Manager) on 07525 892 953
  • Complete our online form
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Summer Breakout 2021

For young people aged 7 - 12

Monday 26th - Friday 30th July, Wally Foster Community Centre, Homerton Road, E9 5QB

This year’s project will focus on the themes of Hopes, Dreams and Journeys and Identity, exploring young people’s ambitions and celebrating what makes them unique. Young people will create & perform in a play, help to make sets, props & costumes, take part in a range of creative activities & games, make new friends and have fun! AQA Accreditation will be provided for all participants.

To find out more or register your FREE place:

  • Email Nadya (Projects Manager) via nadya@immediate-theatre.com
  • Call Charmain (Participation Manager) on 07525 892 953
  • Complete our online form
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Regular Session Details

We are currently running seven weekly youth theatres across the borough of Hackney:

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Nightingale Youth Theatre

  • MONDAY 3:45 – 5:15pm
  • Ages 8-11
  • CURRENTLY ONLINE
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Huddleston Youth Theatre

  • MONDAY 6 – 8pm
  • Ages 12-25 (for young people with disabilities)
  • Wally Foster Community Centre, Homerton Rd, Hackney,
  • E9 5QB
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Kingsmead Youth Theatre

  • TUESDAY 3:45 - 5:15pm
  • Ages 5-9
  • Wally Foster Community Centre, Homerton Road, Hackney,
  • E9 5QB
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Wally Foster Youth Theatre

  • WEDNESDAY 5:30 - 6:45pm
  • Ages 12-18 (25 for young people with disabilities)
  • Wally Foster Community Centre, Homerton Road, Hackney,
  • E9 5QB
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NEW Pembury Youth Theatre

  • THURSDAY 3:45 – 5:15pm
  • Ages 8-12
  • Pembury Community Centre, Dalston Lane, Hackney, E8 1FA
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Forest Road Youngers Youth Theatre

  • FRIDAY 4:15 – 5:30pm
  • Ages 5-12
  • Forest Rd Youth Hub, 29 Forest Road, E8 3BY
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Forest Road Olders Youth Theatre

  • FRIDAY 6 – 8pm
  • Ages 12-25 years (inclusive of young people with disabilities)
  • CURRENTLY ONLINE

Stepping Up Transitions Programme

We run weekly online sessions for young people moving from Primary to Secondary school, aiming to ease the transition for young people who find this period in their lives overwhelming, confusing, and anxiety-inducing.

Thanks to funding from the Youth Endowment Fund, Stepping Up will run for a full year to provide continued support for participants across their first year of secondary school. The project provides opportunities for participants to gain accreditation and, at key milestones, the group will share their work with parents, carers, and if possible, form tutors via online platforms.

For more information on the project or if you are from a local school and would like to refer students, please contact Charmain or Olivia.
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