Young People – Opportunities Near You

Youth Theatre – for anyone aged 8-17, led by professional leaders and artists

No Strings Attached – annual grant programme which aims to help young people aged 18-25 make their first piece of professional theatre and explore a potential career within the arts. 

Regular Activities – dance classes of a variety of genres

Maltings Young Crafters – a creative weekly group for 10-15 year olds

“New Adventures is committed to working with young people of all backgrounds, to share our passion for dance, theatre and creativity. From early years through to A-level studies, we journey with our young people through one-off workshops and residencies, on an adventure of discovery and expression through our unique story telling language and playful creative method.”

They offer one-off schools workshops, intensives and even the chance to experience a day in the life of a New Adventures dancer and perform on a world class stage. Have a look at their Curtain Raisers Project, and their In Our Shoes Project.

“Stopgap run a range of youth and adult community dance groups across the southeast of England, who all use our inclusive dance syllabus IRIS. These provide stimulating experiences for enthusiastic participants, some of whom go on to enter our apprentice scheme.

We also run bespoke community dance projects across the globe, giving rich insight into contemporary dance and social inclusion.”

Established in 2013, Second Hand Dance has an adaptive leadership model, run by disabled Co-Director Rosie Heafford and non-disabled Co-Director Claire Summerfield. Creating joyful, inspirational performances and digital dance films for children and adults, the company has presented work across three continents. The company collaborates with dancers, film-makers, animators, musicians and audiences in a co-creation process that is accessible, welcoming to all bodies, and places the audience experience at its centre. 

Second Hand Dance became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation in 2023.

Currently touring The Sticky Dance and We Touch, We Play, We Dance both nationally and internationally. 

The Lightbox is an award-winning art gallery and museum, based in the heart of Woking, Surrey.
As an independent charity, they believe in the transformative power of visual arts and deliver our mission through a programme of modern and contemporary visual art, outreach activity, and housing The Ingram Collection and Woking’s Story.

They offer a range of opportunities, including creative workshops for 11-16 year olds, work experience with The Lightbox team, as well as volunteering opportunities. 

Freewheelers is a diverse and creative company of people with disabilities based in Leatherhead. They work alongside directors, producers, composers, artists and writers, to co-create and produce engaging, thought-provoking, funny, joyous and highly entertaining theatre, dance, film, and music.

For over thirty years they have been a force for change and artistic excellence in the world of Disability Arts.

With locations across Surrey, they make theatre, dance, film, music and visual art that challenges perceptions and defies expectations.

Their person-centred approach, creative process and the friendly Freewheeler welcome creates an environment in which our members’ confidence, independence, social skills and self expression thrive.

They run a youth theatre group on Monday evenings, 5.30 – 7.30pm in Leatherhead.  The group is suitable for young people with disabilities between 12 – 25 years.  For more information and contact details, please see:  Youth Theatre — Freewheelers Theatre & Media Company.