Estate-based Youth Theatres
We have been providing 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. All our sessions are free, inclusive and open to all.
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 currently provide nine 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.
Current Programme
Our summer term sessions will begin on Wednesday 20th April and run up to Friday 15th July. This term we will be exploring regeneration and the past/present/future of where we live and we will also be looking at how different cultures celebrate taking inspiration from Nine Night.
Download project flyer:
Details of each of our groups can be found below - for further information or to join one of our groups, contact Estate-based Youth Theatre Coordinator Gavin Dent via 07904261162 or email gavin@immediate-theatre.com.
Session Information
We are currently running nine weekly youth theatres across the borough of Hackney for young people from ages 5-25, including a dedicated session for young people with disabilities on Monday evenings.
NIGHTINGALE YOUTH THEATRE (Ages 8-11)
MONDAY 3.45 - 5.15pm
Nightingale Luncheon Social Club, 19 Olympus Square, Hackney, E5 8PL
HUDDLESTON YOUTH THEATRE (Ages 12-25 with SEND)
MONDAY 6 - 8PM
St Barnabas Homerton, High Street, Hackney, E9 6DL
KINGSMEAD YOUTH THEATRE (Ages 5-9 & 9-13)
TUESDAY 3:45 - 5:15pm (5-9)
TUESDAY 5.30 - 7.00pm (9-13)
Kingsmead Community Centre, 9A Kingsmead Way, Hackney, E9 5QG
Woodberry Down Youth Theatre (Ages 11-14)
Wednesday 4.30 – 5.45pm
The Edge Youth Hub, 7 Woodberry Grove, Hackney, N4 1SN
Wally Foster Youth Theatre (Ages 12-18, up to 25 with SEND)
WEDNESDAY 5:25 - 7:15pm
St Barnabas Homerton, High Street, Hackney, E9 6DL
Pembury Youth Theatre (Ages 8-12)
THURSDAY 3:45 – 5:15pm
Pembury Community Centre, Dalston Lane, Hackney, E8 1FA
Forest Road Youngers Youth Theatre (Ages 5-12)
FRIDAY 4.00 – 5:30pm
Forest Rd Youth Hub, 29 Forest Road, Hackney, E8 3BY