The National Youth Theatre is partnering with special education needs school Highshore, to conduct free workshops as part of their new summer course, writes Anisha De…
The Camberwell school was approached by the NYT in February this year to discuss possible opportunities including working experience with the Southwark Playhouse for sixth former students.
Members from the NYT and Extraordinary Bodies, a circus company promoting professional integration, are holding rehearsals with up to twenty Highshore students, who will perform alongside them at the National Theatre’s River Stage this summer.
The event marks NYT’s new collaboration with Diverse City, a national organisation promoting diverse representation in arts, so as to make its programme more accessible to young disabled actors.
Nick Clark, Communications Officer of Highshore School told the News: “Since May the NYT have been working towards a performance with four class groups based around the theme of superheroes which culminated in an amazing performance on July 5.
“It has been a very positive experience and we look forward to continuing work and developing our relationship further”
Additionally, NYT staff have been volunteering at Highshore as teaching assistants.
The youth theatre has also announced a £37,500 fund to give young people access to drama in the wake of arts cuts in schools.
NYT chief executive and artistic director Paul Rosby said: “As opportunities for young people to engage in drama in schools have sadly decreased, the demand for National Youth Theatre opportunities are up and we’re responding to that by working in more venues around the country than ever before this year.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Highshore School, Diverse City and Extraordinary Bodies on this ambitious creative collaboration as part of this commitment.”