People’s Work Young

CELEBRATING 2006–201510YEARS

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A decade of ACHIEVEMENTYoung people are part of the lifeblood of Theatre Royal Stratford East. They are at the heart of everything we do.

Any review will only ever scratch the surface of all their amazing achievements. However, we hope you will share our joy as we celebrate our young people and all that they have done as part of this theatre over the last 10 years.

We are also immensely appreciative of the support, inspiration and generosity of our many partners in making all this happen. So, thank you to you all.

As ‘a People’s Theatre’ we are seeking to democratise the voices in British Theatre; this surely starts with our young generations. And so, what we think is distinctive about our offer is that we engage with our young people on their own terms and encourage them to find their individual voices.

Our many programmes and opportunities provide a vehicle for young people to take their own creative journeys. Many of the young people we work with from across east London are at risk of exclusion; our aim is to help them find a new path whether that be into higher education, employment, theatre or the creative industries.

What we know we do really well is sustained engagement which we believe leads to truly life-changing results.

So now, we are looking forward to our next 10 years and how we extend our impact in east London as the young population swells and regeneration continues to unfold. We will grow our ambition and our scale based on listening to the young people we want to serve in Newham, and beyond.

We hope you will be willing to come on this journey with us and support us in our endeavours.

Kerry MichaelARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Who We AREWe are an award-winning producing theatre in Newham. Based in a Grade II* listed Victorian theatre, we have been at the heart of the community in east London for over 50 years. We are proud that our audiences and young participants are reflective of the context in which we work.

KEY FACTS• Newham is situated in the largest

regeneration area in Europe

• It is the most ethnically diverse borough in the country

• Over 100 languages are spoken in local schools

• Arts engagement is the lowest in England at 29%

• 52% of children and young people live in homes in relative poverty compared to 17% nationally

• 48% of tickets sold in 2015 were concessions

• Over 50% of the population are under 30 years and this proportion is growing

• 5.3% of 16 – 18 years are NEET (not in Education, Employment or Training)

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Our dedicated Young People’s Work department is committed to introducing new methods of working with young people between the ages of 13 and 25, recognising the power of creativity to transform their lives. We offer a specialised provision in and outside of school hours, encompassing a school activity programme, practical youth theatre initiatives, young actor development, youth producer support, theatre related career advice, work experience, mentoring and leadership programmes. Our work helps young people to build self-confidence, improve communication skills and raise their levels of aspirations. It also equips them with skills for employment in a wide range of fields.

OUTCOMES OF YOUNG PEOPLE TAKING PARTCONTINUING PARTICIPATION AT THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST 47%NOW WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY 19%UNKNOWN 13%NOW IN FULL TIME, ACCREDITED STUDY AT HE OR FE LEVEL 11%CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN OTHER ARTS PROVISION 06%NOW IN NOT ACCREDITED TRAINING PROGRAMMES 04%

47%

6%11%

04%

13%

19%

Young People’sWORK

ETHNICITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE CURRENTLY TAKING PART

WHITE BRITISH 24%BLACK BRITISH 19%MIXED HERITAGE 19%BLACK AFRICAN 18%WHITE EASTERN EUROPEAN 11%ASIAN BRITISH 05%ASIAN INDIAN 02%ASIAN PAKISTANI 01%UNKNOWN 01%

19%

24%

11%

19%

18%

25%1

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YOUNG PEOPLE’S KEY FACTS• Since 2006 we have worked with over 10,000

young people through our programmes at TRSE, in schools and in the community

• Over the last decade 1,000 young people have worked in-depth with us

• 38% of young people remain with us for more than 3 years

• 87% of young people are from Newham and the 5 east London Olympic boroughs

• Since 2012 we have enabled over 11,000 pupils to see productions as part of London Borough of Newham’s ground-breaking ‘Every Child A Theatregoer’ scheme

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&Funding SUPPORT

We are a charity based in Newham, east London, that believes in the ability of theatre to achieve radical change.

In recognition of the important and ground-breaking work we do with diverse young people, artists and audiences, we were one of just a few of Arts Council England’s (ACE’s) National Portfolio Organisations to be awarded an increase in funding for 2015 -18. We also receive core funding from the London Borough of Newham (LBN). We are immensely grateful to ACE and LBN and their support is crucial to our work. In addition to our public funding, we also generate income from ticket sales and other retail.

However, we still need to raise significant funding from other sources to continue our valuable work in the community, particularly with young people.

“The aims of Theatre Royal Stratford

East’s Young People’s Workshops – particularly those

around improving self-confidence and

communication skills, with the objective of helping participants to re-engage – are a natural fit with the

overall regeneration effort, symbolised by

the ArcelorMittal Orbit.”Ian Louden, Head of Brand

Worldwide, ArcelorMittal

9CASE STUDIESLIVERY COMPANIES THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF BASKETMAKERS The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers’ 3-year grant is to deliver ‘Drama for Confidence’ workshops for 13 – 24 year olds. All the activities will equip young people with the skills and knowledge for future education, training and employment. With their support we can give young people more of an equal footing to be positive, active citizens with raised aspirations and ambition.

A CASE STUDYTRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS ESMÉE FAIRBAIRN FOUNDATIONEsmée Fairbairn’s major 3-year grant is contributing towards the costs of our Young People’s programme, providing opportunities and pathways for young people in Newham and east London. With their support we are able to ensure that we can engage with young people over the longer term, which we know results in life-long positive impacts.

A CASE STUDYCORPORATE SUPPORT ARCELORMITTALArcelorMittal provide significant support for our weekly workshops with young people, including those who are not in full-time education or who are at risk of disengaging from formal learning. By supporting this vital work, together we have been able to bring our young people closer to the regeneration taking place on their doorstep.

“We are pleased and proud to be able to help deliver vital and practical help to young people in our great City.”Worshipful Company of Basketmakers Charitable Trust.

“We support organisations working to create genuine, long

term social change. Theatre Royal Stratford East works with young people in many creative

ways to do this”Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCEWe would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the individuals, trusts and companies who have supported us to date and hope you may be inspired to join them.

To talk to us about how you could support us, please call 0208 279 1176 or email us at development@stratfordeast.com

Photo by Robert Day

INDIVIDUALS DONORS AND PATRONS Support from individuals is essential in delivering our programme for young people. The donations we receive, large and small, are crucial. So too is the support of our Vision Collective patrons who make a regular annual donation to us in return for becoming closer to the life of the theatre. Others have chosen to ensure our work continues in the future by making us a gift in their Will.

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“The theatre’s support of our Every Child a Theatrgoer Programme has enabled a new audience to experience world-class productions on their door step and helped to spark the imaginations and creativity of our young people.”

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor LONDON BOROUGH OF NEWHAM

“The Theatre Royal Stratford East has had an enviable history of working with young people from diverse backgrounds and turning them into lifetime artists. For many the Theatre Royal will be their first encounter with live theatre and ignite that spark of creativity that so many of them carry within themselves to do something significant.”

Professor Michael Earley ROSE BRUFORD COLLEGE

“The Theatre Royal is a leading organisation when it comes to supporting, inspiring and training young people keen to explore a future in performance. This support is so valuable when encouraging the next generation of local talent into the industry. The creative coaches we have engaged from the Theatre Royal have provided fantastic interactive sessions for the students which have led to an impact on their confidence and understanding of how to improve their techniques and understand new ways of acting and performing. This level of engagement attracted us to the Theatre Royal and working with them on several occasions.”

Adam Watling OUR TALENTED FUTURE CONSULTANCY LTD FOR HAVERING SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

“Working with Theatre Royal Stratford East has been a really rewarding experience for both ourselves at The Challenge, and for the young people we work with to promote community participation. TRSE have run a number of workshops with our young people in the past, and their fun, interactive and thought-provoking nature has always made them a stand-out success.”

Sam HepherTHE CHALLENGE

Creative PARTNERSHIPS Photo by Richard Davenport

13“Theatre Royal Stratford East’s unwavering commitment to rearing the next generation of theatre makers via its young people’s work is at the heart of everything they do - nothing gets past its doors unless it has a connection or meaning that will excite or engage with young people either starting out or coming up in the theatre world. If we could duplicate TRSE’s young people’s work at every theatre in the land, then it could be fairly said our job is done!”

James Kenworth, Writer/Supply TeacherNEWHAM SCHOOLS

“Your work with young people at TRSE has been remarkable and inspiring for me. It allows them to explore and examine the often perilous ‘now’ within a safe, secure and trusting environment – an environment that enables them to take control gradually and confidently!”

Andrew Mckinnon Programme Director Ma Creative Producing (Theatre & Live Performance) BIRKBECK, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

“To tackle the issue of the lack of diversity in the professional drama training sector (and industry as a whole), it is essential that organisations work together to ensure that creative opportunities and pathways are open to everyone for all backgrounds. Talent is found in every area of society and this talent needs to be engaged and nurtured. Stratford East and the work it does with young people from the local area (and wider afield) is an example of how this work should be done.”

Eddie GowerMOUNTVIEW ACADEMY OF THEATRE ARTS

“Theatre Royal Stratford East have consistently provided fantastic placement opportunities for our BA Drama, Applied Theatre and Education and MA Applied Theatre students over the years. It is a partnership that we very much value and we hugely appreciate the important industry and professional experiences that our students gain.”

Victoria EdwardsPartnerships and Placements Manager THE ROYAL CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH & DRAMA, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

“As a resident of east London, I have always been aware of the amazing work the TRSE does within our community and particularly with young people. TRSE has done what other (lesser) theatres have always dreamt of... They are truly of the community! In 2015 I was offered the opportunity to work in partnership with TRSE (via my company Catalyst In Communities) and am proud to be able to list TRSE among our partners. The creative techniques employed by TRSE enable connections to be developed with those whom other agencies have written off, promote levels of engagement in days that other professionals would be lucky to generate over years and form bonds that last lifetimes. In short, TRSE reaches the parts other theatres only dream of!!”

Robin LockhartCo DirectorCATALYST IN COMMUNITIES

“If we could duplicate TRSE’s

young people’s work at every theatre in

the land, then it could be fairly said

our job is done!”

“TRSE’s ambition is to genuinely understand the needs, strengths and interests of local young people – helping them get the best out of themselves.”

Sian BirdCulture Partnership ManagerBARBICAN GUILDHALL CREATIVE LEARNING

“Talent is found in every area of society and this talent needs to be engaged and nurtured.”

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CASE STUDY 2“I’ve been involved in Theatre Royal Stratford East for eight years, ranging from picking up sweet wrappers in the auditorium, to beaming with pride at seeing the amazing actors perform my words. Why? Because it’s part of my soul. For better or worse. It has an energy like no other theatre I’ve visited or worked in.”

BRADLEY PETER

&Resilience SUSTAINABILITY

We know that sustained support gives lifelong impact, so our aim is to maintain relationships with young people over the long-term. In an area of regeneration, it is important we are an trusted anchor for our young people providing ongoing support for their creative and social development.

“Diamantina is studying for

a degree in songwriting at

university and she is also working on her EP album and

gigging as much as possible.”

In the voices of our young people

Photo by Jane Hobson

CASE STUDY 1“I’m super humbled and appreciative to have been a part of the youth projects at Theatre Royal Stratford East over the past few years. I feel so honoured to have won a Jack Petchey Award too. I first came through the doors in 2007 to join youth theatre, then took part in Poets Platform, LAB, Theatre on a Train and MonologueSlam UK.

When I took part in the Poets Platform with Kat Francois and Karlos, WOW...the creativity and material that was created among us really inspired me to start writing my own songs. I started to really express myself through writing. Acting, writing and singing became a passion for me to express myself and share it with audiences. I had so much to say that you could say it was my freedom of speech translated into art form. These workshops gave me a platform for me to do my thing!

Each time I stepped in the building I felt a welcoming presence meaning, this was my second home! And now, a part of me is still at the heart of Stratford East and will always be!”

DIAMANTINA OSMANIDiamantina is studying for a degree in songwriting at university and she is also working on her EP album and gigging as much as possible.

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CASE STUDY 4 “I am a Newham resident and have attended every TRSE panto since childhood... but in 2010 I joined the youth theatre and in 2011 I became a member of staff.

I first became involved with TRSE because it was my local theatre but I stayed because of its dedication to new work and diversity. Plus it really does feel like a family.

Since joining the payroll as a member of the TRSE bar staff I went on to work in the Box Office, be an assistant producer for the 2011 Young Actor’s Company, be chairman of the Youth Committee, become one of two Young Reviewers in 2013 as well as being a member of the Youth Theatre, a member of Stratford East Singers and a volunteer for Open Stage.”

BERENGERE ARIAUDO DE CASTELLIBerengere now works at Playful Productions and is the producer and one of the founding members of London Grey & Green Theatre Company.

CASE STUDY 5 “I first became a part of TRSE family by joining the YAC in 2011. By walking in by chance one day to see if they had any productions I could get involved with – then being invited to audition the very next day. They knew nothing of my background or what I had done previously but I was offered an opportunity to showcase my talent (if any!)

This place is important to me as it feels like a home. From the very beginning I was made to feel like a part of TRSE family. All the staff from front of house to the bar & kitchen staff made an effort to learn my name and that may seem like a small thing but it helped to made me feel comfortable which in turn helped to build my confidence in these surroundings and on stage.

Even when our production was over they never made me feel like my time at the theatre was over – we could come back at any point for advice, which I have done on many occasions. At a time where my confidence was low and felt like acting was no longer for me, out of the blue I received an email asking what I was up to. It was as if they knew I was having doubts! The people who are this theatre still mentor me to this day 4 years later.”

KOFI AMANKWAHKofi now has a radio show and finished a production a couple of months back with the Oval Theatre. He is also venturing into writing.

CASE STUDY 6“I joined TRSE in 2006, when I was in year 10 aged 15. I came for my work experience just for a week and from then onwards TRSE became my second home.

I can’t begin to express exactly how important TRSE is for me. It is where I met the most important people in my life. They not only just help me gain work/profession related experience but also helped me grow as a person. Everyone I have met and worked with at TRSE were not just my colleagues or mentors; they were family. I can’t even begin to imagine where I would be right now if it wasn’t for everyone at TRSE and most importantly the Young People’s team.

I have been working in other theatres but TRSE is different compared to the other theatres because every young person is treated like an adult, welcomed with open arms, treated equally regardless of job title or background. It is a small theatre with staff who have big hearts and open opportunities.

My 9 years at TRSE (2006 – 2015) were the most important years of my life. I have done so many things in the theatre; been on the big stage, worked behind the scenes, worked with the Finance team, fundraised with the Development team, welcomed our guests with the Front of House team and worked in schools supporting students to shine.”

RENU MEHTORenu has gone on to work for a dance company, a theatre and a charity, and is now back at TRSE working in the Development team.

“Because it’s part of my soul. For better or worse.”“I came for my work experience just for a week and from then

onwards TRSE became my second home.”

CASE STUDY 3“I’ve been involved in Theatre Royal Stratford East for eight years, ranging from picking up sweet wrappers in the auditorium, to beaming with pride at seeing the amazing actors perform my words. Why? Because it’s part of my soul. For better or worse. It has an energy like no other theatre I’ve visited or worked in.”

BRADLEY PETER

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&Future Artists

CREATIVE THINKERS

As the only producing theatre in Newham and in east London, we believe we have a valuable role to play in connecting young people with the performing arts. We seek to develop their skills, introduce new options and open career pathways for them in the theatre sector and the creative industries more widely. Our focus is on breaking down barriers for young people so that anyone can participate and to provide platforms for their voices to be heard.

CASE STUDY 7“I first came to be part of TRSE through applying for the Young Actors Company. TRSE was important to me because it was my local theatre. It was different because it gave me an opportunity to see Black Actors perform. I always had the impression that theatre and acting were for a ‘specific type of audience’, who lived in a ‘specific type of place’, who spoke in a ‘specific type of way’... ways which was not familiar to, or included me.”

MONIQUE FRANCOIS

“Although I was a volunteer I was treated as an equal by all the professional staff.”

CASE STUDY 8“I first connected with TRSE as a volunteer for Open Stage in 2011. I stayed around and was invited to helped out with school projects, make puppets, then worked on the professional pantomime as a volunteer; this was my first professional design experience. This introduced me to many professionals with whom I have worked since.

Working on Cinderella was great. There was a really positive atmosphere in the theatre. Although I was a volunteer I was treated as an equal by all the professional staff.

TRSE has been fundamental to my career as a Theatre Designer. Through TRSE I was introduced to Theatre Designer Ian Teague, who has given me an incredible amount of support other the years.

I went on to gain a place at RADA on the Two Year Postgraduate Theatre Design Course. I graduated in July 2015.”

LUCY ALEXANDERLucy is a freelance theatre designer, most recently working as an assistant designer on ‘Lady Unknown’ at the Charles Dickens Museum.

More young people’s voices

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CASE STUDY 9“I first joined TRSE in 2011 when I first started year 10. It was recommended to me by my English teacher. She knew I had a passion for acting and believed TRSE would be the best place for me to develop my acting skills.

Since then TRSE has been a home from home for me. If I need help be it acting or something else I know I could ask for help and advice to anyone at TRSE and I will gain their full support.

One of my fondest memories at TRSE is when I won MonologueSlam the first time. The audience were amazing and the actors were even better. I did a piece which was outside my comfort zone which led to me enjoying the win even more. A moment I will never forget. I believe that was the start of my acting career.”

ADAM KHALIQ Adam is now signed with an agent and recently took part in WriterSlam – his first paid job.

CASE STUDY 11“I joined the Young Artists Lab in 2011. I found it a place where we can share creative ideas, a safe place to play, a space to work in, improve and learn from like-minded creative peers.

I got a chance to perform two pieces I write in work in June 2015; “What If?” and “Melody & her Many Men” performed. ‘What If?’ was made into a short film, ‘The Real Me’, and won two Los Angeles Movie Awards and Best Global LGBT award at the IFS Hollywood Film Festival. ‘Melody & Her Many Men’ was turned into a web series starring NBC Heroes actor James Kyson, Glee actress Gina Hecht and Madagascar voice-over artist Elisa Gabrielli.

The support of the Young Artist Lab has been essential in my creative journey. It has given me the confidence to pursue my work, dreams and goals. I have had the opportunity to work and meet with other artists who have helped to inspire and motivate me. The Young Artist Lab feels very much like a family.”

MARILYN FRIDAY

“It has given me the confidence to pursue my work, dreams and goals.”

“It was different because it gave

me an opportunity to see Black

actors perform.”

CASE STUDY 10 “I joined TRSE Young Artists LAB in 2014. I haven’t experienced a theatre that is as supportive of young creatives as TRSE is. You encourage a community of young artists to make together, learn from each other and encourage us to see our work as valuable important contributions to the wider artistic community.

And it’s not just in words – you give us space, time and facilities that mean we are actually able to bring our ideas to life. Other theatres talk the talk, TRSE actually walks the walk. Thank you!

Magic moments have been so many! Turning up to LAB and getting a chance to pitch ideas to Kerry, (terrifying, but amazing) and holding auditions for my play, Cecilia, in the Murray Melvin meeting room. I’ve actually finished the play that I discussed at LAB, ‘Cecilia’ and has just played at the Kings Head! With the support and space given by TRSE, my play came to life.”

ZOE HUNTER GORDONZoe is now working for a TV production company and writing a new play with Soho Writers Lab.

Photo by Darren Woolway

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CASE STUDY 13 “TRSE is different to other theatres. I’ve seen so many people with a lack of self-confidence blossom under the guidance and support of the TRSE Young Artist LAB. You give people a chance to explore more than just their area of expertise and we discover skills we didn’t know we had.”

ANYEBE GODWIN&EducationSOCIAL DEVELOPMENTWe use theatre as a vehicle to raise the personal aspirations of young people and grow their resilience as independent young people in the world. All our activities equip them with the skills and knowledge for future education, training and employment. Our aim is to give them more of an equal footing in life so that they can be positive, active citizens with raised ambitions.

“The level of support given

allowed me the freedom to take risks and make

decisions without fear and made

me feel much more confident in my abilities and understanding.”

CASE STUDY 12“I joined the TRSE family in October 2014 when Jan Sharkey-Dodds became my mentor as part of the National Theatre’s Step Change programme. I was lucky enough to have monthly meetings at TRSE with Jan who guided my development as a facilitator, project manager and advocate for working with young people in theatre.

Jan introduced me to a network of arts professionals working within learning and participation, allowing me to develop a stronger understanding of the practice of arts education and the wider arts and learning landscape. The level of support given allowed me the freedom to take risks and make decisions without fear and made me feel much more confident in my abilities and understanding. I feel this was instrumental in me successfully applying for roles in the sector.”

LAUREN GRANTLauren joined Chichester Festival Theatre’s Learning, Education and Participation (LEAP) department as Young Theatre Manager in September 2015.

And more voices

Main photo by Sidey Clark Inset photo by Richard Davenport

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CASE STUDY 14“I came to be part of the TRSE family when I joined YAC in 2012. I joined because I wanted to learn and gain more experience in my passion: acting. In the course I learnt much more than expected; learning how to be more confident in myself, being able to comfortably network and I also gained a bunch of useful writing skills.

One of my favourite moments was our discussion/debate on ‘What is art???’ I found it incredibly engaging and felt that I had something strong to share; it ended up taking up so much time that we didn’t manage to move on until the next day.

Theatre Royal has been a great place for me from the moment I set foot in the place. I was treated as a professional as well as supported in my training.”

WAKJIRA F FEYESAFeyesa has been busy with creatively since being with TRSE/YAC and is now studying at Mountview Academy.

CASE STUDY 15“I first came to be part of TRSE in 2008, as a volunteer on the IFEA festival. I was supported and mentored by the YPW department, guiding me in my career goals and given various opportunities from ushering to a 3 month placement assistant producing with Jan Sharkey-Dodds.

I always feel supported and at home when I come to Theatre Royal Stratford East. There is always a smiling friendly face ready to greet you as soon as you enter. I have many fond memories including a 2 day writing group I was invited to by TRSE this year. Through this group I attained friends and allies to support my own progression as a playwright.

As a writer I have been part of 24 hour plays at the Old Vic Theatre, been listed for the Alfred Fagon Award, and been commissioned by Company of Angels.”

SHEREEN JASMIN PHILLIPSShereen is now a graduate of Central Drama School and is Creative Learning Manager – Young People at Tricycle Theatre.

“There is a really special, non-judgemental, collaborative vibe that other theatres just don’t have.”

“In the course I learnt much more than expected; learning how to be more confident in myself, being able to

comfortably network and I also gained a bunch of useful writing skills.”

CASE STUDY 16“As soon as I stepped into the building I felt as though I was at home. I was made to feel welcome, people were interested in my story and what I had to offer and pushed and nurtured me in directions I would never have had the confidence to do alone. There is a really special, non-judgemental, collaborative vibe that other theatres just don’t have. In other theatres you feel more like a number, not a budding young artist which was how I felt during my time at TRSE.

I particularly remember Assisting Shawab on Home Theatre, developing ideas for my One Woman Show with Serena and Jan, co-directing a piece from ‘Oh what a lovely War’ for the Newham Festival, C2C Train performance, being part of the cast for Dick Whittington and winning the Jack Petchy Award which meant I could treat the Youth Committee to a night out at the cinema and a meal where we could bond and build friendships.”

ANNA JOHNSON Anna doing a 2 year Screen Course to take my acting career to the next level, she is involved in a Creative Writing Course and she also works part time at a creative advertising agency.

Photo by Sidey Clark

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PiedPIPER2006 OLIVIER AWARD WINNING SHOW

Kenrick Sandy and Michael Asante (Boy Blue Entertainment) were two young artists who had been part of many of our projects. In 2006 they collaborated with director/designer Ultz to produce a full-length hip-hop dance piece, Pied Piper, on our main stage. Open auditions were held to assemble a company of 36 dancers, many of whom were participants in our young people’s programmes. When the show won the Olivier Award 2007 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre’ it was not just the quality of the show that was being celebrated but our development of the emerging artists who became Boy Blue Entertainment.

Selected HIGHLIGHTS Made in DA SHADE2007 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

Our Youth Theatre went to Amsterdam to work with artists from Made In Da Shade over 10 days. They devised a series of remarkable short plays, performed in industrial containers in a festival of youth arts. This was the start of an international partnership connecting our young people in Newham with the rest of the world.

Photograph by Robert Day

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2008 CELEBRATING NEWHAMPass the BATONThis play was an exciting collaboration performed by a cast of local Newham-based young performers and the New London Orchestra. It was a slice of Stratford life on stage with full orchestral backing.

2009 INTERACTIVE TOURAround the ROYALWith support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and in partnership with Time Won’t Wait, our Youth Theatre developed an interactive tour of our building. Drawing upon our archives they took audiences behind-the-scenes at the theatre to tell them stories based on plays of the past, as well as bringing them into the present with their mission statement for the 21st Century.

Photo by John Reddihough Photo by Pau Ross

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2010 PROFESSIONALTRAINING

BROODWith support from ACT Foundation, we re-launched our Young Actors Company and were inundated with applications from young people wanting professional training with us. We were able to take 13 young people in acting and production roles. Working with Tanika Gupta they created Brood, a play which then toured to schools and to Soho theatre, giving a wide range of performance experiences for the young people taking part.

This play was created in response to an increase in knife culture. Our young steering group spoke to neighbours, family, friends, teachers and police to capture the true voices of the community. Writer Philip Osment took those voices and created Mad Blud. The show toured Newham schools and was performed at the theatre as part of our annual Studio Season. Each time it was followed by a discussion with the audience. The play told a relevant and important story, and also provided a platform for young emerging actors. In 2009 the show became part of our main stage programme with support from J.P. Morgan.

MadBLUD2011 RESPONSE TO KNIFE CULTURE Photo by Jane Hobson

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2012 PROMENADE PRODUCTION

HEARTFELTIn the run up to the Olympics we did a project called Open Stage, which gave over programming power to the local community. As part of this we staged Heartfelt. A new play by Rikki Beadle-Blair that took audiences on an immersive journey around the theatre, Heartfelt featured our young people’s groups. These were Winging It (improvisational group, State of the Nation (verbatim theatre), Poet’s Platform and our Youth Theatre.

2013 INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIESJunior Monologue SLAMIn 2013 we formalised a partnership with TriForce and brought MonologueSlam to the theatre as a regular part of our programme. Working together, Junior MonologueSlam was developed, providing a platform for young people aged 11 to 17 years to perform in front of industry professionals. Young people taking part in our regular programmes have been amongst the winners of Junior Monologue Slam. Winning has opened a wide range of career opportunities for them including performing at the BAFTA awards and auditioning for stage and screen.

Photo by José Farinha

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2014 NATIONAL SCHOOLS PROGRAMMEOh What A LOVELY WARIn spring 2014 we staged the Olivier nominated show Oh What A Lovely War to coincide with Joan Littlewood’s centenary and marking 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. We knew the production would still resonate with today’s generation and invited every school across England to respond to the show and its themes. More than 200 schools took part online and over 200 pupils performed curtain-raisers to the main show on our stage.

2015 PARTNERSHIPWORKINGNational Theatre CONNECTIONSConnections is the National Theatre’s (NT’s) festival of new plays for youth theatres and schools, which began in 1995. Each year the NT commissions 10 writers to write 10 new plays specifically for 13-19 year olds, which are then rehearsed and performed on a professional stage at one of their partner theatres across the UK. In 2015, we were the NT’s partner for east London and worked with Rokeby School, Chobham Academy, JADA Youth Company and our own Youth Theatre. We were delighted that our young people’s group were selected to perform Ben Ockrent’s play, Hacktivists, at the National Theatre at the end of the festival.

Photo by Richard Davenport

A large print version is available on request

Spotlight on SUCCESSThese are a few of our former young people’s work participants who had some of their early arts engagement with us and have gone on to great things. We’re very proud of them!

HOLLI DEMPSEYA regular face on television. You may have seen Holli in many shows including Aliens, the new Dad’s Army, Derek and Doctor Who.

CYNTHIA ERIVOA busy actress with credits for stage and screen. We’re excited Cynthia has now made her debut on Broadway in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of The Color Purple in 2015.

RICKY NORWOODA successful actor. You will know Ricky best as Fatboy in Eastenders. His character made a dramatic exit in the 2015 Christmas special after 6 years in the show.

ELLIS REIDA PR specialist. Ellis has been working for PR agencies for 4 years and is now an Account Manager at OneChocolate Communications.

MATTHEW XIAA rising figure in arts leadership. We are delighted that Matthew is Associate Artistic Director at the Manchester Royal Exchange.

Our thanks goes to the long list of dedicated, inspiring and talented directors, youth leaders and teachers who have worked with Theatre Royal Stratford East over the years. In particular, but not exclusively, we’d like to say thank you to:

Jan Sharkey-Dodds Head of Young People’s Work

Abena Adofo Schools Partnership Manager (maternity)

Serena Robins Schools Partnership Manager

Sherain Watson Young People’s Work Assistant

Rikki Beadle-Blair Associate Artist

Karlos Colman Former Young People’s Project Manger

Kat Francois Associate Artist

Suzann McLean Associate Artist

Dimple Patel Associate Artist

Dawn Reid Associate Director

Darnell Shakespeare Associate Artist

Karen Tomlin Associate Artist

Pioneer Theatres Limited. Registered Office: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN.Registration Number 556251. Charity Number 233801. VAT Number 233 3120 59.