How Connections works
Connections is open to any company of young people aged 13-19, and up to 26 for groups with additional needs.
Whether you’re a school, youth theatre, or voluntary organisation – whether you’re experienced in staging plays or trying it for the first time – your group can apply to be part of Connections.
Each year, Connections commissions a selection of brand-new plays for young people to perform, pairing some of the UK’s most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow. We work with over 250 youth companies and more than 6,000 young people annually from every corner of the UK.
The Connections 2026 timeline kicks off in October 2025 with the Directors’ Weekend, a skills-development event for group leaders. Each participating company will then stage a Home Performance between February and April 2026 at their own venue, where a National Theatre Mentor Director will visit to provide feedback.
Every group will then transfer their production to a Partner Theatre Festival between March – May 2026, where they will perform on a professional stage. Finally, a select number of groups (one for each play) are invited to perform at the Connections Summer Festival (June 2026): a final celebration, which spotlights each play and champions the incredible work created throughout the year.
We are dedicated to ensuring that Connections works for you as directors and recognise the immense skill and dedication required to bring productions to life in school and youth theatre settings. The programme is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your needs, so if you have any questions or are unsure if Connections is the right fit for your company, you can reach out to us at connections@nationaltheatre.org.uk.
Photos by Jimmy Lee
Connections Festival 2024
Process
Applications for Connections 2026 are now open, and will close on Monday 7 July 2025 at 12pm.
Once your application is approved, we will confirm your place over the summer (usually in July). If successful, you will then receive the play scripts to begin reading and selecting your play. Shortly after, we will send you an invoice for your participation in Connections.
We will ask you to select two plays you’d be happy to work with. We will then confirm your play allocation. We request two choices to ensure an even distribution of plays across each Partner Theatre Festival.
In October each year, we host a weekend of workshops for the directors of each Connections show, including a session with the writer of your chosen play. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend additional theatre skills workshops.For Connections 2026, the Directors’ Weekend will be held from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October 2025. This is a compulsory part of the process, and we ask that all directors attend the writer’s session on Saturday 25 October. You may also sign up for other workshops and bring additional directors from your company, subject to availability.
During rehearsals, you will work with your company to prepare for performance. Throughout this period, you will be able to connect with fellow directors and reach out to the Connections team with any questions in the run up to your performances.
Every company will perform first at their Home Performance – either in their school hall, youth theatre site or equivalent local space. You can perform in your home venue up to five times. This is your chance to debut your Connections performance. A Connections Mentor Director will watch one of your performances. They will meet you and your company after the show to ask about your experience, and afterwards, they write detailed development notes for your Partner Theatre transfer.
After the home performance, all groups will transfer to a Partner Theatre for performances. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your production on a professional stage. The theatre teams and your Mentor Director will guide you through the process.
At the end of the Connections year, in June 2026, one company will represent each play at the Connections Summer Festival, held at the Lowry, Salford. This is a celebration of all the incredible work that has been created throughout the year.
Fees and bursaries
Fees and bursaries
The fee to participate in Connections 2026 is £500. We are committed to ensuring that young companies from all backgrounds can take part, including those for whom the fee may be a barrier. Bursaries are available to support companies with rehearsal, production, and transfer costs. Read on for more details.
What the fee covers:
- Access to fantastic new plays, commissioned by the National Theatre and written by leading UK writers.
- A weekend of skills workshops, including time with the writer of your chosen play, facilitated by a leading director.
- The opportunity to perform your play up to five times at your home venue.
- The chance to transfer your production to one of our prestigious Partner Theatres.
- Feedback from a Connections Mentor Director and development notes to help refine your production for its theatre transfer.
- Ongoing support from the Connections team throughout the year.
This year, we are offering partial bursaries, and in exceptional cases, full reductions of the participation fee.
We prioritise bursaries for groups that demonstrate financial need or other forms of disadvantage, including but not limited to:
- High levels of deprivation
- Engaging young people not in education, employment, or training
- Limited access to artistic and creative opportunities
- Working with young people with experience of the criminal justice system
- Working with young people with special needs, physical disabilities, or English as a second language
- In school settings, the number of young people eligible for free school meals
When you apply, we’ll ask for more information about your group and why you need support. Bursary allocation is at the discretion of the National Theatre, and we will notify you if your application is successful. Each application is considered on its individual merit.
The National Theatre reserves the right to withdraw funding or additional support if a company fails to meet its obligations for participation in Connections.
Casting
At National Theatre Connections, we carefully select each play for our portfolio. The playwrights whose works are included create stories that reflect the diversity of human experience. Our goal is for these plays to be accessible to everyone and to tell a wide range of stories from across the UK.
We are proud to offer plays that challenge young people to step into the lives of others, taking them to different times, places, and emotional landscapes. We encourage our playwrights to keep casting options as open as possible.
For all plays, all roles can be played by D/deaf and disabled performers and, unless stated otherwise by the playwright, can be performed by actors of any gender or ethnicity. If your group doesn’t align exactly with the apparent casting requirements of a play in terms of race, ethnicity, or gender, but you still wish to produce it, we wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. If you have any questions or need guidance on casting, the Connections team is happy to advise.
When locations are specified in the plays, we recommend focusing on capturing the emotional essence of these settings rather than worrying about accents.
For information on acquiring rights to the plays see the FAQs.
FAQs
Is Connections a competition?
No, Connections is not a competition or a measure of ability. It is a national celebration of youth theatre, showcasing the diversity of groups taking part.
Each year, one production of each play is selected to perform at the Connections Summer Festival, chosen by the Connections team, mentor directors, partner theatres and writers. We look for clarity, storytelling, conviction, and energy in performances. We like to see productions that have observed and realised the writer’s intentions for the play, as the Summer Festival is also a showcase for the plays themselves.
How much does it cost, and are bursaries available?
The cost for participating in Connections 2026 is £500. Bursaries are available on a case-by-case basis, and you can apply for one through the initial application form. You’ll need to provide a brief explanation of why cost may be a barrier to your participation. You’ll find out if you’ve been successful in your bursary application when we notify you of your place in Connections 2026.
Other than the fee, what other costs are involved?
The costs incurred will vary from company to company. These could include travel, accommodation, rehearsal and production costs and venue hire, depending on the nature of your production and the circumstances of your group. There is advice on fundraising in your Connections Handbook.
When can I apply for Connections 2026?
Applications for Connections 2026 will open on Monday, 7 April 2025.
Can I enter two or more groups?
Yes, we will accept more than one application from the same company. However, we won’t necessarily select both applications.
Which Partner Theatre will I be working with?
You will be informed of your assigned Partner Theatre when we confirm your place. We aim to pair companies with the nearest Partner Theatre to reduce travel costs and build a lasting relationship with a local venue. For returning companies, we cannot guarantee the same Partner Theatre as in previous years.
What happens if I’m not accepted on to Connections?
If you’re unsuccessful in your application, we’ll notify you in July 2025. You are welcome to apply again in future years, and we will add you to a waiting list in case of any cancellations.
Can international companies take part?
International companies can attend the Directors’ Weekend but may not receive a visit from a Mentor Director or perform at a Partner Theatre Festival. If you can fund a Mentor Director’s visit yourself, we are happy to assist with logistics. Priority for Partner Theatre Festivals will go to UK companies. The fee for international companies is the same as for UK companies.
Can I make changes to the play text?
Any changes, such as cuts, edits, or additions like improvisation or music, must be approved by the Connections team in consultation with the playwright, to honour their work.
Can my students use Connections as part of a course they are studying?
Yes. Many companies use the play as part of their BTEC, GCSE, A-level or Arts Award. This is something which must be arranged through your school/college. National Theatre Connections is not linked to exam boards. Performances must still fall in the time frame for Connections. For more information about how to use Connections towards Arts Award,you should contact your Arts Award regional coordinator.
I work with young people with Additional Support Needs and the play may be difficult for them – what are my options?
We are committed to making the programme accessible for all young people. Every role in our plays can be performed by D/deaf or disabled performers, and we have created the play scripts and resources to be available in accessible formats. If any part of your chosen play presents challenges for your cast, we will work with you to discuss possible adaptations or abridgements, ensuring that all participants can fully engage in the production.
How do I acquire the rights to the plays?
The National Theatre holds the rights to Connections commissioned plays for two months after the Connections Summer Festival (in June). If the National Theatre produces a professional play then we hold exclusive performance rights for the full duration of the run. If the National Theatre does not produce a professional production, the rights are then released back to the writer. Until the option period or run has ceased the National Theatre cannot release the rights for any of the plays. After the end of either of these periods, you must contact the writer’s agent to obtain the rights to perform a past Connections script. Each year new Connections plays are published in an anthology that also contains details of writers’ agents.
When staging a Connections play, the following credit should be used: [TITLE OF PLAY] by [WRITER] was first commissioned and produced by National Theatre Connections in [YEAR OF PRODUCTION] .
How do you recruit Mentor Directors?
The Connections Mentor Directors we work with are experienced, professional theatre makers. Their role is to offer advice, write development notes, and to support companies at Partner Theatre festivals. If you are interested in becoming a Mentor Director, please email the Connections team with a copy of your CV, where in the UK you are based, and why you would be interested in working on Connections.
Terms and conditions Connections 2026
- Application and Payment
1.1 The deadline for applications to participate in the Connections 2026 cycle is Monday 7 July 2025 at 12pm.
1.2 Once your Company has been accepted onto Connections 2026, you will be invoiced for your fee. For Connections 2026, if a Company cancels their involvement in Connections before 11 October 2025, they will receive a full refund of their fee. If a Company cancels their involvement in Connections between 24 October and 31 December 2025, they will receive a refund of 50% of their fee. There will be no refund payable for cancellations after December 31 2025. Please note: all invoices must be paid by 11 October 2025.
Please note there is an additional fee of £75 for any Company bringing a second director to attend in person at the Directors’ Weekend, this sum is payable before the Directors’ Weekend and bursaries are available.
1.3 The NT will accept a maximum of 250 UK-based applications for Connections 2026.
1.4 If the NT receives more than 250 applications, it will select companies to ensure a balance of participating groups by age range, type of group and geography, and between those who are new to Connections and those who have taken part before. It will also consider how Companies intend to involve young people in backstage and off-stage roles. The allocation of places is at the National Theatre’s discretion, and its decision is final.
Due to restrictions on capacity and resources we can only offer places to 250 Connections companies for the 2026 cycle. Every year we are significantly over-subscribed with applications and our policy is to prioritise offering places to state schools and youth theatre groups, in order to reach young people who may not have previously had much opportunity to see, make and take part in theatre. Where independent schools can demonstrate in their application that they are partnering with other state schools in their area in a meaningful way, we will take this into consideration.
1.5 Connections companies will consist of young people aged between 13 and 19 years old, and up to 26 years old for groups with additional needs.
1.6 You must provide one main Company Contact, through whom all communication will be sent.
1.7 All Companies who apply will be notified about whether their application has been successful by the end of August 2025.
1.8 Successful Companies will be sent further information upon receipt of payment.
- Scripts
2.1 Scripts will be available to download as soon as you have been accepted on Connections 2026. This access is for your Company only. The Scripts may only be copied for use by the Company and must not be passed on to any other person or organisation. An online form will be available for you to select your two preferred Scripts. This must be completed and returned to the NT by early-September 2025. The NT will confirm your script allocation with your Company Contact shortly after this.
2.2 Companies will be selected to perform each Script to ensure variety at Partner Theatre festivals. The NT will do everything possible to ensure you receive one of your preferences; however, there may be some instances where this is not possible.
2.3 The NT strongly encourages each Company not to start rehearsing their Script until after the Directors’ Weekend as the Weekend will assist in making artistic decisions in line with the writer’s intentions for the piece.
2.4 If, because of conversations at the Directors’ Weekend, a new version of the Script becomes available, this will be emailed to the Company Contact.
- Child Licensing
Where required by the local authorities of all the young people in your Connections company, the Connections Director is responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses for company members taking part in both your Home Performances and Partner Theatre Festival performance.
- Directors’ Weekend - Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October 2025
4.1 Attendance at the Directors’ Weekend is compulsory for your Company’s Director. If your Company’s Director fails to attend the Directors’ Weekend the NT may, at its discretion, terminate the Company’s involvement in Connections 2026. In such circumstances, no refund shall be paid.
4.2 If you would like a second Director to attend the Weekend and we are able to accommodate this there is an additional fee of £75 which must be paid before the Directors’ Weekend.
4.3 Each Company will arrange and pay for travel and accommodation for their Director to attend the Directors’ Weekend.
- Home Performances
5.1 Involvement in Connections 2026 entitles your Company to the performance rights of your selected Script for up to five performances at your school or youth theatre between 2 February – 19 April 2026. Your Production cannot be performed for any purpose outside of the Connections 2026 Cycle. If your preferred home performance date falls outside this range, please contact the Connections team.
5.2 Your organisation will be responsible for the costs incurred when staging your Production.
5.3 Each Company will specify its choice of Home Performance dates. The NT must be notified of the Company’s performance dates by Monday 8 December 2025 to allow the NT good time to arrange a Connections Mentor Director to attend your Production. If a Connections Mentor Director cannot attend your selected Production date, a suitable alternative date will be sought. If the NT has not received your Production dates by the deadline of Monday 8 December 2025 it may not be possible for a Connections Director to attend your Production.
5.4 Your Company Contact will receive Development Notes approximately seven days after your Production.
- Partner Theatre Festivals
6.1 The NT will allocate the Company to a Partner Theatre, the allocation of Partner Theatres is at the NT’s discretion and the NT’s decision is final.
6.2 The NT and the Partner Theatres will endeavour to enable all Companies to perform once at a Partner Theatre festival.
6.3 If a Mentor Director has not attended the Company’s Home Performance due to late notification of dates, it may not be possible to transfer to the Partner Theatre festival.
6.4 If it is not possible for your Company to perform due to theatre scheduling or other restrictions, the NT will discuss alternative options with your Company Contact.
6.5 If performing at a Partner Theatre festival, you must adhere to all guidelines, health and safety and other policies requested by the theatre and theatre manager.
6.6 You will be responsible for coordinating travel arrangements and covering all costs incurred when performing at your Partner Theatre festival.
- Connections Summer Festival
7.1 The Connections Summer Festival will take place in June / July 2026.
7.2 The National Theatre will select one Production of each Script to be performed as part of the festival, chosen to represent an overall picture of the talented young people involved. You will be notified directly if your Company has been selected to perform by early June 2026. The NT will confirm which Companies are invited to take part after the Partner Theatre Festivals season. The decision is at the National Theatre’s discretion, and the NT’s decision is final. Companies will be informed of the Companies selected to perform at the NT prior to the public announcement.
7.3 The NT will liaise directly with your Company Contact to discuss possible financial arrangements for the transfer of your production to the NT.
7.4 In 2026, the Connections Summer Festival will take place at the Lowry, Salford.
- International Companies
If your Company is based outside the UK or Ireland, it will not be possible to provide you with a Mentor Director visit to your Home Performance, Development Notes or the opportunity to perform at a Partner Theatre Festival.
- Credits and Publicity
9.1 Any reference or promotion of your Production, the Script, the NT, Connections, and any sponsors of Connections must be accredited correctly. Please liaise with the NT if you are unsure of the relevant guidelines at any time. Guidelines will be provided in the Company Handbook. All publicity materials (including digital) must be approved by the NT before use.
9.2 You shall notify the NT’s press office in good time prior to giving to the media any interview or press release with any reference to the NT, the Production or any other part of the Cycle.
9.3 If requested by the NT, you shall allow the NT access to your Production for the purpose of photography or filming.
9.4 The NT shall have the right to authorise the televising or sound broadcasting of any Production during the Connections 2026 Cycle for the purposes of publicity or promotion, provided that no such excerpts shall exceed five minutes’ total running time.
9.5 The NT shall have the right to take photos and make an audio-visual recording of any Production during the Connections 2026 cycle for archive purpose.
- Data Protection
The NT will collect, use, store and disclose your personal details in accordance with our Privacy Policy. The Privacy Policy is accessed from the Theatre’s website homepage.
- National Theatre Terms and Conditions
By applying to take part in Connections you agree to these terms and conditions and also to the National Theatre’s general terms and conditions which can be found here.
Definitions:
Company: the group of young people aged 13 – 19 years old, and up to 26 years old for groups with additional needs, who will perform the chosen Script. The Company can be formed from a youth theatre, school or youth group.
Company Contact: this is the main point of contact for your Company that NT will communicate with during the Cycle. This individual must be over 18 years old and must be responsible for payment and registration. The Company Contact does not have to be the Director.
Connections Mentor Director: the NT representative who will attend a performance of your Production at your Home Performance venue – in your school or theatre – and work with your Company at the Partner Theatre.
Cycle: the Connections 2026 Cycle which commences on 1 August 2025 and culminates with a festival at Lowry in June/July 2026.
Development Notes: this is the report the Connections Mentor Director writes after attending your Production. The report will contain comments and feedback on areas of your Production that could be developed before performing at your Partner Theatre.
Director: the person responsible for the Company, needs to be over 18 years old.
Directors’ Weekend: a weekend that takes place between Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October 2025 and will be a mixture of in-person and digital activity. It is compulsory for all Directors to attend and Directors will workshop their chosen Script on Saturday 25 October.
Fee: a fee of £500 per Company which is required to participate in the Connections 2026 cycle.
Home Performances: the performance(s) of your Script at your school, theatre or Home Performance venue. Home Performances must take place between 1 February and 30 April 2026.
NT: the Royal National Theatre, a registered charity (no: 224223) and registered company limited by guarantee in England (no: 749504) with its registered office at Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX.
Partner Theatre: the professional theatre venues throughout the UK and Ireland where you will have the chance to perform your Production.
Production: your Company’s production of your selected Script.
Scripts: the selection of scripts commissioned by NT. Companies select one Script to perform during the Cycle.
Our funders
The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.
BNP Paribas is proud to be Headline Partner of Connections 2025 through their BNP Paribas AccessArt25 programme.
Connections is also supported by The Mohn Westlake Foundation, Buffini Chao Foundation, The EBM Charitable Trust, Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, Katie Bradford Arts Trust, Susan Miller & Byron Grote, Mulberry Trust, Tuixen Foundation, The Peter Cundill Foundation, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Woodward Charitable Trust and The John Thaw Foundation.
Nationwide learning is also supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Tim & Sarah Bunting, MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Disabled Children in the Arts, Behrens Foundation, Cleopatra Trust, and The Andor Charitable Trust.
Find out more about supporting our work
