WATCH THIS SPACE
Between March - July 2025, our Youth Theatre groups explored the theme of change; the changes they make, the changes that are made for them, and the changes they want to see in the future.
Change is everywhere; it’s scary, fun, unexpected, exciting, overwhelming, hopeful and so much more. But for young people, change often happens TO them – adults make the decisions, and they have to deal with the dizzying consequences.
In a world that is constantly evolving, we envisioned a future where young people could actively voice how they feel about change and contribute as valuable change makers.
Throughout this project our groups explored audio, music, comedy, live drawing, puppetry, film, and much more, to share their ideas and experiences in ways that felt authentic to them.
Change is everywhere; it’s scary, fun, unexpected, exciting, overwhelming, hopeful and so much more. But for young people, change often happens TO them – adults make the decisions, and they have to deal with the dizzying consequences.
In a world that is constantly evolving, we envisioned a future where young people could actively voice how they feel about change and contribute as valuable change makers.
Throughout this project our groups explored audio, music, comedy, live drawing, puppetry, film, and much more, to share their ideas and experiences in ways that felt authentic to them.
KEY SUCCESSES
- Worked with 64 young people across 4 youth theatre groups and 1 creative intervention groups to co create a wide range of performances and creative outputs.
- Created 2 live events with audiences of 170 people including friends and family, Mortal Fools staff and local advocates.
- Created a platform for young people to share their experiences of change, sparking meaningful conversation about ways we can look after our wellbeing during periods of change.
- Improved members confidence, public speaking skills, stage craft and ability to connect with audiences.
"‘Change' was such a big topic for our youth theatre members and they fully embraced sharing their ideas and exploring new ways of telling stories with us.
Continuing to develop from previous projects, our youth theatre groups explored lots of ways of telling stories, such as poems, films, clowning, dialogue, song, movement, and more! We created some larger-than-life characters and interactive audience experiences, and all of the young people involved got to reflect on the changes that were important to them, and how to cope when big changes happen.
The young people had really important things they wanted to say to their audiences for this project - from thinking about climate change, to asking whether children or adults should make decisions, we explored some big topics and the young people brought a tonne of creativity and fun to the conversation."
- Zoe Lamming, Lead Artistic Practitioner
“I enjoyed feeling free to talk about how I’m feeling, more than I maybe would outside the sessions”
- Youth Theatre Member
“I’ve learned about maintaining friendships –usually this can be challenging – the people who attend have an understanding of each other and keep our friendships going.”
- Audience Member
LIVE PERFORMANCES
In Summer 2025, our Youth Theatre groups invited audiences to join them across two live performances, as they explored the waves of change in their lives; holding tight to the things they love, making their own decisions, and discovering who they are.
Watch This Space Tyne Valley
Our Tyne Valley groups presented an exciting mix of performances and creative activities that were totally out of this world! Audiences were invited to enrol into a secretive spy school, and
join a family preparing to move to a strange new planet.
Just like our members, all the characters were navigating the anxieties and pressures young people experience when faced with BIG life changes. Together these characters embraced the uncertainty knowing that they can't see the future but they are strong enough to manage whatever lies ahead.
82 people joined us across two performances at Riding Mill Parish Hall. We transformed the space with exciting set design featuring a large scale rocket. We also encouraged our audience to take part in creative activities and share how they feel about change.
join a family preparing to move to a strange new planet.
Just like our members, all the characters were navigating the anxieties and pressures young people experience when faced with BIG life changes. Together these characters embraced the uncertainty knowing that they can't see the future but they are strong enough to manage whatever lies ahead.
82 people joined us across two performances at Riding Mill Parish Hall. We transformed the space with exciting set design featuring a large scale rocket. We also encouraged our audience to take part in creative activities and share how they feel about change.
Watch This Space Ashington
We followed our Ashington groups as they encountered terrific travellers, judgy judges and self-expression superheroes, all facing big changes! Audiences were invited to watch a series of thoughtful short performances that gave an insight into how change feels to young people.
There was lots of opportunities to get involved with fun interactive moments throughout and a creative game designed to get people thinking and talking about how they approach change.
This was a lovely opportunity to explore how we can be there for young people as they discover their identities, spread their wings and fly!
88 audience members joined us over two shows at Dukes Secondary School.
There was lots of opportunities to get involved with fun interactive moments throughout and a creative game designed to get people thinking and talking about how they approach change.
This was a lovely opportunity to explore how we can be there for young people as they discover their identities, spread their wings and fly!
88 audience members joined us over two shows at Dukes Secondary School.
WATCH THIS SPACE PHOTOS
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
It was very interesting and thought provoking to hear the view of children and how they cope with change and learning and developing.
- Audience Member
Two very creative and original performances - both equally thought provoking and entertaining.
- Audience Member
Absolutely loved the pre show! Great entrance and greeting from the ticket inspector and I loved the immersive activities. A great show for all ages. What an amazing experience you are offering to these young people.
- Audience Member
GET INVOLVED
CHECK OUT FILM SHORTS FROM PREVIOUS YOUTH THEATRE PROJECTS
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Sounding Board DigitalWe passed the mic to our youth theatre members to show what really matters to them - using music to express their true selves and share what makes them feel happy and heard.
Check out the full collection of short films and music videos, filled with bold, thought-provoking lyrics, catchy tunes, and creative soundscapes! |
