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Youth Theatre Census

A first major survey of youth theatres in England since 2011 shows that youth theatre is an essential part of the theatre eco-system, but groups across the country are struggling from a lack of investment and support.

The Youth Theatre Census, commissioned by a leading group of youth theatres, surveyed more than 400 youth theatres in England in July 2024. In a summary of their findings, released today, the commissioning companies say it shows that:

  • Youth Theatre is big - supporting more than 100,000 young people a year and employing more than 4,000 salaried and freelance staff.
  • Youth Theatres are struggling financially, with 31% of youth theatres operating on less than £10,000 a year
  • Youth Theatres are supporting more complex issues related to mental health, the cost of living crisis, academic pressures and pastoral needs.
  • Youth Theatres are not accessible enough - with only 20% offering all their places for free and a patchy approach across the sector to access, equity and data.
  • Youth Theatre leaders are isolated and exhausted - with many youth theatres wholly or largely dependent on volunteer staff.

The Census shows that youth theatres are providing an extraordinary range of activities - making shows, technical theatre training, writing workshops, residentials and digital workshops, as well as educational support, free meals, mentoring and mental health first aid.

Despite this, the total income for youth theatres in England (estimated at around £23m) represents the equivalent of just £200 per participant per year. The lack of funding means youth theatre is highly reliant on volunteer staff, while paid staff often work beyond their paid hours.

Smaller youth theatres with the least funding are less likely to be able to provide free places or have policies and procedures to remove barriers to participation. It is hard to measure the impact of this on participation because demographic data collection is extremely inconsistent and often non-existent.

While working with young people comes with significant legal responsibilities, some youth theatres do not have the right policies in place - with 4% operating without a safeguarding policy and 9% without a defined health and safety policy. 16% do not have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy.

Youth Theatre leaders report high levels of fatigue and feel isolated, with one leader saying, “we know we're doing important work but it's the hardest thing any of us have ever done.”

Another youth theatre leader, quoted in the report says:

“The price of running youth theatre is ridiculously high and we are struggling to find sponsorship or funders and as such we are raising our fees which is driving members away.”

While another says:

“Mental health issues are noticeably higher in recent years amongst our members and so our safeguarding and child support has to be a focus at all times.”

The survey was commissioned by National Portfolio Organisations 20 Stories High, Burnley Youth Theatre, Company Three, Mortal Fools, Prime Theatre, and Theatre Factory. It was funded by Arts Council England and supported by a coalition of national organisations including BarrowFull, Get Into Theatre, the National Association of Youth Theatres, National Theatre Connections, National Youth Theatre, National Youth Music Theatre, SOLT/UK Theatre and NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association).

Youth Theatre Census

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