The National Theatre’s Connections Festival is 21 in 2016, and to celebrate, the theatre is involving more young people than ever in making theatre through ‘Connections 500’. The National Theatre is looking for 500 youth theatres and schools to stage 12 plays, picked from over 150 that have been commissioned for young people since 1995.
The theatre pledges to provide all participants with all the support needed to fulfil the task, and the chance to stage the play in one of its 40 partner theatres across the UK. Connections 500 is open to any company of young people aged 13-19. Whether a school, youth theatre, voluntary organisation or an organisation which has never staged a production before, the group can apply to be part of Connections.
Engaging young people in existing and new theatre is an admirable concept, made possible by the size and prestige of the National Theatre. Its ability to ensure the full 500 youth theatres and schools will be able to take part is guaranteed by its stature within the arts industry. Overall, Connections aims to inspire 13-19 year olds with high quality new playwriting, give companies the knowledge, skills and confidence to bring the plays to life, encourage young people to get involved in all aspects of theatre-making and celebrate young people’s talent.
2016 will mark the National Theatre’s biggest ever Connections Festival – don’t miss out. Confirmation of the play the youth theatre or school will be producing will take place in early September, and 2-4 October marks the Directors Weekend at the National Theatre. In February and March next year the Home Performances will take place, and from mid March to mid May will see the Partner Theatre Festivals. Early July will welcome the National Theatre Festival!