Capital Theatres

Capital Theatres used their project to kick-start a Youth Advisory Board. It meets on the last Thursday of each month. They check in over pizza and then hear from one of the Capital Theatres departments, who give them some context for their work and then ask their thoughts on a specific question they have around engaging with young people. At the end of the session, they hear about what changes Capital Theatres has made as a result of our input from previous sessions so they’re always clear about the impact they’re having. So far, they’ve helped shape strategies for social media, student ambassador schemes, a new artist development programme for local creatives, and helped the Creative Engagement team understand how young people might better connect with the heritage and dementia friendly programmes.  

The group are looking forward to making change happen, getting an inside look at how the theatre industry works and opening doors for other young people. Look out for more from them in the year ahead! 

Being part of the Capital Theatres Youth Advisory Board has reinforced firmly held beliefs about the power of theatre to bring people together. Outside of meetings, the membership of our group represents 10 different young adults making our way through school, work, care responsibilities, extra-curricular activities, family matters and much more, existing in our own worlds.

For two hours every month however, Capital Theatres brings us all together to take an active role in an organisation that brings us as theatre lovers an immense amount of joy and excitement. Theatres across the country have a lot of work to do to make younger audiences feel welcome in their spaces but Capital Theatres have been brave enough to listen to us and embrace radical new ideas towards making a positive and lasting impact. 

-Fin Ross Russell, Chair of the Youth Advisory Board