We think it’s important there are free, regular spaces to connect with other youth theatre makers, to learn together and to dream big for the sector.
Since 2024, we’ve partnered with England’s Youth Theatre NPOs and special guests to offer free, regular online spaces to discuss the practice of running a youth theatre today.
Each session explores a key theme and is led by an organisation or practitioner with relevant expertise. The topics in 2026 are based on what 150 youth theatre leaders from across the country highlighted as priority areas during the Youth Theatre Together event in June 2025.
In the Running a Youth Theatre sessions, you'll hear about their real-world perspectives and practice, participate in a task or provocation, and have space to ask any questions you have to the session leader and other makers in the room.
This is a space to learn, reflect, and connect with others working across the sector - whether you're new to the role or have years of experience.
All sessions are free, held on Zoom and are open to anyone using performance in their work with young people.
Running a Youth Theatre is led by: 20 Stories High, Burnley Youth Theatre, Company Three, Mortal Fools, Prime Theatre and Theatre Factory, and some invited guests and experts.
Upcoming Sessions.
If you have any questions, feedback, or would like to suggest a topic for us, please get in touch at hello@companythree.co.uk
Moving from youth theatre to professional practice
With Theatre Factory.
Tuesday 20 October 2:00-3:30PM
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Explore how Theatre Factory supports young people as they build skills, confidence and pathways towards professional creative practice.
They will outline the progression routes they offer into arts careers, and share how they support the growth of young people from youth theatre into emerging professional opportunities.
For: artistic directors, people working in youth theatre, producers, facilitators, directors, and people making work in the room
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Use this link to sign up to this or any other session.
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Maybe you’ve never toured a youth theatre show before, but you’re curious about how to make it work. Taking young people on the road adds layers of complexity - safeguarding, logistics and the practicalities of travelling - but great things come from touring too.
Mortal Fools will share their tips and learning as a company experienced in touring youth theatre work and touring digital work. They’ll offer practical insight into what helps a tour run smoothly and how to support young people throughout the process.
For: youth theatre producers, executive and artistic leaders, programme managers, general managers, and organisations considering touring youth-led work
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Use this link to sign up to this or any other session.
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How can youth theatre be open to as many young people as possible? 20 Stories High will share their approach to widening participation through varied recruitment and financial and physical access provision.
They’ll also explore how different artforms, projects, themes and co-creation practice can help reach young people who may not otherwise take part.
For: youth theatre leaders, participation and outreach staff, producers, programme managers, artists and facilitators, youth theatre organisations reviewing their access offer
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Use this link to sign up to this or any other session.
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How can youth theatres collaborate more? Many young people are seeking connection and opportunities to learn and share beyond their immediate communities, and practitioners at Youth Theatre Together events have told us they want more chances to collaborate.
Special guests from the National Theatre’s Connections Programme will share insight into their national model: what works, what doesn’t, and what to consider when collaborating with other youth theatres organisations. They will explore practical guidance on creating meaningful partnerships, when time and resource are tight.
For: youth theatre producers, artistic directors, executive directors, programme managers, general managers, facilitator, and youth arts organisations considering working more in collaboration
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Use this link to sign up to this or any other session.
How it works
Each session is 1.5 hours long, with the first hour a training session and the final half hour a facilitated space to ask any questions or discuss anything related to the session topic.
You can sign up for free via this link and will receive a Zoom link to join the session.
We will share a recording of the session with attendees afterwards.
If you have any questions, feedback, or would like to suggest a topic for us, please get in touch with Gabi at gabi@companythree.co.uk
Access and Social GRACES
We want these sessions to be open and accessible to everyone. When you sign up, please let us know if you have any access requirements, or adjustments we can make so you are able to fully participate. We may be in touch to discuss those with you.
At Company Three, the Social GRACES is our approach to equity and representation. We want everyone who engages with our work to be able to be themselves, and try to be proactive in recognising and challenging inequality and celebrating difference. If anything during a Running a Youth Theatre session makes you feel uncomfortable, or if you would like to discuss anything relating to the Social GRACES ahead of a session, please get in touch.
‘It's supportive to know things can change and be done differently.’
Running a Youth Theatre participant.
