The National Youth Theatre (NYT) has announced an open call to young people, SEND schools and colleges, and cultural community partners - initially in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and London - to participate in the programme.
An ‘urgent’ response to rising unemployment, the Inclusive Practice Collective will offer creativity, connection and a boost to drama provision in schools for disabled young people and will provide jobs for young creatives.
In its first year, the collective will create a programme of regular NYT opportunities for young disabled people in 15 schools and colleges around the country, as well as 60 paid job placements for young people (aged 18-24) on Universal Credit.
Inspired by young people
Formal recruitment for the young inclusion facilitators is set to begin in March and NYT particularly welcome applications from people whose identities are currently under-represented in the performing arts.
These roles have been inspired by NYT’s young members’ commitment to inclusion. They have been working with the company on the programme and want to develop careers in Inclusive Practice.
The programme will facilitate two academic terms of regular inclusive theatre activity for disabled young people in 15 SEND schools and colleges initially in Greater Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, West Yorkshire and London.
'Most at risk'
Paul Roseby OBE, CEO and artistic director of National Youth Theatre, said: ‘Disabled people and all young people are most at risk of reduced opportunities post-Covid.
‘Rising unemployment figures emphasise the urgent need for a social and cultural recovery that prioritises creative jobs, ensures accessible and inclusive opportunities and celebrates the diversity of British youth in all its forms and that's exactly what our new Inclusive Practice Collective is designed to do.’
Rachel Denning, actor and NYT alumna, who is working with the company on its Inclusive Practice programme, said: ‘I am so excited to see this Kickstart programme happen, we need young and passionate allies to continue making this industry an inclusive one.
‘Inclusion should be cool, creative and at the forefront of our practice; National Youth Theatre and its members have the power to do this and they are such an important voice in our industry.’
Creative focus
Specialist schools and colleges and cultural community partners rooted in their local communities can email participation@nyt.org.uk by 25 March 2021 to express an interest in partnering on the scheme, which aims to build a national community of SEND schools with a focus on creativity and the arts.
Young people interested in joining the Inclusive Practice Collective should apply here.
The Inclusive Practice Collective is funded by the government’s KickStart programme.