Young People's workshops

A group of diverse young people seated and attentively watching a presentation or performance. They are indoors in a theatre auditorium and appear engaged, with some wearing colorful lanyards or accessories.

Are you aged 13 – 25 and want to take part in workshops, meet new people and see world-class theatre?

Whether you have a keen interest in theatre, or you’ve never been to the National Theatre before, our In Focus workshops offer a welcoming environment for an in-depth look at our shows.

Applications are now open for our next In Focus workshops on The Importance of Being Earnest and Ballet Shoes.

Want to keep up to date about Young People’s opportunities?

In Focus: The Importance of Being Earnest

For 16 – 21 Year Olds

Five people in colorful vintage attire are framed within pink square cutouts against a bright pink background. They each pose differently, showcasing their unique outfits, which feature eccentric accessories like a large hat, pearls, and floral embellishments. — Photography (Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ , Sharon D. Clarke, Ncuti Gatwa, Eliza Scanlan and Hugh Skinner) by Danny Kasirye. Art direction and design by National Theatre Graphic Design Studio.

We’ll be lifting the lid on our production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Come and take part in a day of workshops at the National Theatre to explore the play in more depth with creatives working across the production.

You’ll take part in two workshops and a panel discussion, exploring and experimenting with creative teams across this production. This workshop day is aimed at hands-on theatre-makers; you could be interested in performing, directing or playwrighting, or design – everyone is welcome. Each workshop has a different focus but aims to enhance your understanding of how productions are made by exploring different elements.

These opportunities are free to take part in – no prior experience is necessary, just a sense of curiosity and creativity!

As part of the day, you will also receive a free ticket to see the production that same evening.

Date: Thursday 23 January
Workshop: 1pm – 6pm
Performance: 7.30pm
Location: All sessions will take place at the National Theatre, London

Please note: you must be able to attend the full day to take part.

Applications for this event are now closed.

In Focus: Ballet Shoes

For 13 – 16 Year Olds

Three performers in whimsical costumes pose against a colorful, painted backdrop. One is upside down on a trapeze, another stands holding a prop, and the third hangs from aerial hoops. They wear fluffy dresses and expressive accessories. — Photography (Yanexi Enriquez, Grace Saif and Daisy Sequerra) by Rachel Louise Brown. CGI title by Real Life Living Things. Art direction and design by Louise Richardson and National Theatre Graphic Design Studio.

Coming up we can’t wait to explore Ballet Shoes, a spectacular new re-imagining by Kendall Feaver of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel.

The workshop will be led by members of the show’s creative team and will explore the wonderfully whimsical elements of this production. This will be a practical theatre-making workshop, so come ready to make, move and create. There will also be time at the end of the workshop for a short Q&A with the creative and the NT team.

These opportunities are free to take part in – no prior experience is necessary, just a sense of curiosity and creativity!

As part of the day, you will also receive a free ticket to see the production that same evening.

Date: Saturday 18 January 2025
Workshop: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Performance: 1.30pm (Olivier Theatre)
Location: All sessions will take place at the National Theatre, London

Please note: you must be able to attend the full day to take part.

Applications for this event are now closed.

How it works

Led by members of the shows creative teams, you’ll take part in an engaging workshop at the National Theatre, followed by seeing the production you’re exploring.

Workshop content varies depending on the show, but workshops may focus on movement or playwrighting, rehearsal room practice or performing, directing and much more.

These opportunities are free to take part in – no prior experience is necessary, just a sense of curiosity and creativity!

Young People’s workshops 2024.

Recruitment

The National Theatre’s Young People programme is committed to diversity and access.

Therefore, we concentrate our recruitment on young people from groups in three areas that we recognise have been most affected by the events of the last few years, including:

young people from the global majority;
young people from working class backgrounds;
and d/Deaf, neurodivergent and disabled young people.

The In Focus opportunities above take place at the National Theatre on the South Bank in London, and therefore we aim to offer and prioritise places to those based in London, or who can travel to London easily and safely within the workshop day. This project is free to take part in and access support and travel bursaries are available to those in the Greater London area.

For those based around the UK and farther afield, we frequently offer online workshops and programmes nationally which may be accessible to you – to keep up to date about these opportunities, you can sign up to our mailing list here.

Our funders

The Young People’s programmes are supported by Bank of America, The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation and the Richard Radcliffe Trust. With thanks to the MAP Fund.

The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.

Nationwide learning is supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Tim and Sarah Bunting, Behrens Foundation, Cleopatra Trust and Milton Grundy Foundation.

Find out more about supporting our work