The Young Producers Initiative
Your ideas. Your production. Your stage.
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A unique opportunity for young people aged 13-21 to experience what it really takes to create and produce live theatre.
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The Performers Theatre Company Young Producers Initiative gives the next generation of theatre-makers the opportunity to step behind the curtain and discover the creative, practical and organisational work that brings a production to life.
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Running from March to July 2027, a selected group of Young Producers will work together to develop, plan and deliver their own theatrical project, supported and mentored by the Performers Theatre Company team.
This isn't a traditional performing arts class. It's an opportunity to make decisions, develop ideas, solve problems and take genuine ownership of a project from concept to completion.
What will Young Producers do?
Throughout the programme, participants will gain practical experience across different areas of theatre production, including:
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Developing a creative concept
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Production planning and budgeting
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Casting and auditions
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Marketing and publicity
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Set, costume and technical considerations
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Rehearsal planning
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Front of house and audience experience
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Working with performers and creative teams
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Problem-solving and decision-making
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Bringing a live production together
Young Producers will be encouraged to explore the areas that particularly interest them while also developing an understanding of how the different departments of a production work together.
Real Responsibility. Real Experience.
We want the Young Producers Initiative to be more than simply observing how a production is made.
Participants will have real input and real responsibility.
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With guidance from experienced practitioners, the group will make creative and practical decisions throughout the process and work collaboratively towards a shared goal: creating something they can genuinely call their own.
The programme is designed to develop skills including leadership, communication, organisation, creativity, teamwork, budgeting, problem-solving and project management - skills that extend far beyond the theatre industry.
Who is it for?
The Young Producers Initiative is open to young people aged 13-21.
You do not need to be an existing Performers Theatre Company student, and you do not need previous producing or backstage experience.
We're looking for young people who are enthusiastic, reliable, creative and excited by the idea of making things happen.
Whether you're interested in directing, producing, stage management, marketing, design, technical theatre, arts administration - or simply want to discover what happens behind the scenes - we'd love to hear from you.
Safeguarding & Support
The safety, wellbeing and development of every participant are central to the Young Producers Initiative.
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The programme will be delivered under the guidance and supervision of experienced Performers Theatre Company staff, with appropriate safeguarding arrangements in place for participants under the age of 18.
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As the initiative welcomes young people aged 13-21, activities will be planned and supervised with consideration for the different ages, experiences and needs of participants.
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All Young Producers will be expected to follow the relevant Performers Theatre Company Codes of Conduct and work collaboratively, respectfully and professionally throughout the programme.
Programme Fee & What's Included
The Young Producers Initiative is a specialist development programme delivered across five months.
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Current Performers Theatre Company students: £350
External applicants: £420
Payment plans will be available.
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The programme fee includes:
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Approximately three hours of dedicated programme time every Sunday morning
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Weekly teaching, mentoring and project support
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Access to rehearsal and development space
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Practical experience working as part of a production company
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Support from experienced theatre practitioners
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Access to Performers Theatre Company resources and infrastructure
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A dedicated production budget for the successful company
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The opportunity to create and deliver a live theatrical project from concept to completion
A dedicated production budget will be provided separately by Performers Theatre Company. Young Producers will gain practical experience in budgeting, allocating resources and making financial decisions, with guidance and oversight from the Performers team. All expenditure and contractual commitments will remain subject to approval by Performers Theatre Company.​
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Applications open: 1st January 2027
Programme runs: March-July 2027
Age: 13-21
Location: Havant, Hampshire
Places on the programme will be limited.
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As places are limited, applicants will take part in a selection process designed to explore their interests, enthusiasm, commitment and potential to contribute to a collaborative production team.
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Previous theatre production experience is not essential.
Further information about the application process, programme commitments and selection arrangements will be published before applications open.
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YOUR JOURNEY COULD START HERE.
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Not everybody who loves theatre wants to be centre stage.
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The Young Producers Initiative exists to give young people the opportunity to discover the huge range of roles, skills and careers that exist behind it.
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Further application information will be published here ahead of applications opening.
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