Without Mortal Fools, the young people of Northumberland that they co-create their productions with would not be the confident and inspiring people that they are. Mortal Fools are a vital arts organisation that have understood what young people need to thrive. Their impact is enormous.
- Wendy Scott, Cultural Development Manager at Northumberland County Council
Participants say:
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"I started when I was 9 and it was the best thing that I’ve ever done. Before I started I had no self-esteem, however after taking part I was able to build my confidence massively. Doing drama with other people who were passionate about it allowed me to make loads of new friends and feel comfortable in my own skin straight away.
Mortal Fools is my outlet, providing a safe and supportive place close to home to be productive and creative. I don’t know what I’d do without it." - Participant, aged 17 "My favourite thing about youth theatre has to be all the incredible, extraordinary people you meet" - Participant, aged 14
"It's not like you have to learn a script. You can make up your own script and it's easier to learn than having all the pressure on you." - Participant, aged 10
"I love all the games and it's just something to look forward to when you're at school. Every Tuesday I'm like 'Yay! Youth Theatre tonight'!" - Participant, aged 15
"I like how when we do a show it's just like a show of something that has already been invented, and everyone puts their ideas in and creates it" - Participant, aged 11
"You can be whoever you want to be here and nobody will judge you" - Participant, aged 12
"Mortal Fools helped me feel meaningfully connected to others and take up space in my own life; I think that’s something we all covet." - Eliza, Ensemble Young Company Alumnus
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Photo credit: Marion Botella
Photo Credit: Sound Ideas Media
"Being a part of Mortal Fools over the past year has been a year of exciting new experiences for me. From gaining confidence, to being back on stage in ‘Flux’, learning how to facilitate sessions with young people, and learning what it’s like to make a short film in ‘My People’; the projects I’ve done this year are ones that have inspired me, and have given me memories I will never forget." - Mark, Ensemble Young Company Member
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“I have been lucky enough to experience a couple of productions by Mortal Fools over the years and I always leave feeling inspired, thoughtful and incredibly proud of the talent in our region. What really stands out in their productions is how the voices of local young people, and the issues they face/would like to share, are at the very heart of every production.
- North East Family Fun
Parents and Carers say:
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“Mortal Fools Youth Theatre has become such an important part of my daughter’s life. She has been struggling for a while with anxiety and feeling like she didn’t fit in. At youth theatre, the support she has received - the freedom to express herself and use her creative side - has helped her to overcome a number of life challenges and feel safe to be whoever she wants to be. The opportunities Mortal Fools enable children to experience is fantastic and open up a new world of possibility.”
Photo credit: Sound Ideas Media
“Being involved has done wonders for their confidence and they bubble with enthusiasm. They’ve made new friends and through the workshops gained a better understanding of their identity and other people. One of the best things they’ve shared is that the Mortal Fools’ staff team treat them like people and not just teenagers.”
Photo credit: Sound Ideas Media
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Mortal Fools Youth Theatre is important to my child because it..."...is their time, their space, their opportunity to have fun, grow, learn and experiment"
"...allows my children to learn life skills and understand the world from a different perspective in a fun way." "...is a great safe vehicle from which kids can explore ideas and emotions; it builds confidence but most if all it’s fun!" "...gives her confidence and let's her be her." "...has changed my son’s life, giving him much more confidence and so much joy and satisfaction" "...is an excellent confidence boost!" "...provides an environment where young people progress their self development and awareness, gain confidence and a strong sense of belonging." "...is a space to be themself" "...has made him more confident, given hime some great experiences, expanded his palette of acting skills and given him some lovely friends." |
