Welsh programme to develop new theatre for children

Artists and companies working across the performing arts are being encouraged to turn their hand to theatre for young people through a new three-year pilot programme. Cardiff-based Theatr Iolo will receive £310.5k from the Arts Council of Wales and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to run the project, named Platfform. The project aims to explore “new ways of creating theatrical experiences for families and young people, and widening access to theatre across Wales and the UK, particularly for children and families experiencing barriers to accessing the arts”.

Year one will see up to three artists or companies “emerging into the market of young people’s theatre for the first time”, embedded in venues across South East Wales. The three venues hosting artists during the first year will be Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre, where Theatr Iolo is resident, Parc & Dare in Treorchy, and The Welfare in Ystradgynlais. The residencies will culminate in “bold and original programmes of work created with and for young people”. Support will be provided by Theatr Iolo, along with a pool of mentors and a bespoke package of training. Applications are welcomed from artists and companies for residencies of up to seven months.