Widening Access Programme

Over the last two years, we have developed a tailored programme for special needs schools and pupil referral units, creating projects and events that enable them to access theatre while also being sensitive to the challenges that face them. Projects include:

• Theatre residency projects in special needs schools where we bring a creative team to work with a group to devise a piece of theatre. These projects enable these students to access drama and theatre practitioners in a way that is normally denied to them, and supports their wider communication and social skills.

• Inclusion projects for pupil referral units where we devise a project with the staff at these units with the idea of encouraging their young people to access theatre, our Funded Ticket Scheme and also our Taking Part programme.

• Like the Schools' Theatre Festival, we also have an annual theatre festival for special needs schools where our local special needs schools get to perform at our theatre with all the facilities of a professional theatre at their disposal. For this festival, we devise the play with the groups and a creative team, often involving a professional artist in the show who performs alongside the children.

If you are a south London school and would like to sign up to the termly newsletter to find out what's on offer, email schools@youngvic.org with all your contact details.

"The workshop changed the way our pieces were performed by making us think about other choices and particularly how to use the stage. The piece changed track and is now far better than we ever imagined."
Student from Dunraven School