Intermission Youth Theatre

Intermission Youth Theatre

At a glance

Causes

  • Arts
  • Black, asian and minority ethnic groups
  • Young people

Other details

Organisation type: 
Charity
Geographical remit: 
Regional

Objectives

Intermission Youth was founded in 2008 and helps to transform disadvantaged young people living in deprivation and experiencing high levels of anti-social behaviour, family breakdown, dependency and criminality. We believe that constant support, nurture and care in a young person's life can give them the confidence and belief to make positive choices and change the course of their lives. We are small, our income in 2021 was just over £260,000, but we make a huge impact. The young people we work with at Intermission Youth and through our Youth Theatre come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the Greater London area who are vulnerable, lacking in opportunity, at risk of offending or ex-offenders. Our aim is to help them reach their potential and become the best versions of themselves. Intermission Youth Theatre helps them grow in confidence, to raise their aspirations, to enable them to apply to university, set up their own business, seek new job opportunities and grow out of crime. Many graduates have gone on to become professional actors, performing with major national theatre companies including Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), as well as in TV, commercials and films. A report, published in February 2018, concluded that Intermission Youth Theatre is effective in supporting young people who are ‘at risk’ and bringing about positive change in their lives. Since 2008 of those who were ex-offenders, only one person has re-offended since joining IYT.

Activities

What we do ● The Youth Theatre Programme is a 10-month programme running from February to November each year. We take around 30 young people, aged between 16-25, who are selected through an informal interview in January. We don't hold drama auditions. ● We make Shakespeare’s works accessible for young people in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and schools, as we reimagine the plays in a contemporary setting and work with young people peer-to-peer. ● We bring IYT’s techniques of reimagining Shakespeare to Young Offenders Institutes and prisons - the programme promotes literacy, improves behaviour, builds confidence, self-awareness and communication skills.

No current opportunities

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