Theatre Royal Plymouth brings the experience of theatre to 140 Plymouth students

Theatre Royal Plymouth’s (TRP) Young Company Hub has given 140 students the opportunity to explore a passion for the theatrical arts through workshops and theatre trips with support from Pennon.

The Young Company Hub works to bring our youth theatre to those who may be facing barriers accessing theatre altogether. Focusing on areas in Plymouth that have high levels of deprivation, the project is currently working with five schools to reach young people who deserve the opportunity to explore this art medium.

Pennon’s support for the Hub has helped to build on the young peoples’ performance skills, giving them the opportunity to learn new theatre techniques, focussing on areas such as script writing, improvisation and devising pieces before performing to family, friends and teachers.

As well as providing these workshops, 62 students from across the five schools were treated to a viewing of Life of Pi, which for some was their first time experiencing the theatre.

Susan Davy, Chief Executive Officer for Pennon, said: “It’s really important that we contribute and give back to the region we live and work in. Our ongoing support of Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Hubs has meant that young people have experienced a community where they can be as bold and creative as they want – helping them find a place to feel safe and valued. We are very proud to support this invaluable programme and look forward to seeing these young people achieve great things in the future.”

Due to the nature of the project, some of the young people are facing challenges both in and outside of school that are harder to support with. To support those needs, a Specialist Wellbeing Practitioner worked with students who may be struggling to cope with external challenges such as bereavement, separation from siblings and entering the care system.

A teacher for the Young Company Hubs said: “These are children who don’t speak in lessons, they are very quiet and reserved within school and don’t always feel they fit in. Within the Young Company Hubs they have found a space where they can express themselves, speak up, laugh and make friends.”

A student from one of the Young Company Hubs said: “I come to Young Company Hubs because I enjoy acting and find it fun, but mainly I feel like I have made some new friends here. I don’t have many friends in school, but I do have friends here.”