Youth Theatre
Playmakers Youth Theatre: Where young voices take the stage
Are you ready to create theatre that is truly your own? Playmakers Youth Theatre is Winchester's home for young people who want to lead the way.
We offer dynamic, practical, and inspiring sessions for school years 3 to 10+, where you won't just learn to act — you'll learn to create.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping onto a stage for the first time, we provide a safe, bold, and supportive space to explore your imagination, take risks, and find your creative voice.
Our groups & sessions
We meet weekly for 90‑minute sessions throughout the academic year. Our groups are split by school year to ensure everyone gets the right level of challenge and support.
so much of what we do is creating together, it really encourages you to be more confident in your own ideas
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Why join Playmakers Youth Theatre?
At Playmakers, we don't just put on plays; we build confidence and community. Our youth theatre is an essential part of our arts and education charity, focused on nurturing talent and fostering wellbeing.
- Build your confidence: Develop self‑expression and resilience in a supportive group.
- Master your craft: Learn professional skills in storytelling, physical theatre, improvisation, and character development.
- Perform on professional stages: Show off your hard work at the historic Theatre Royal Winchester and the world‑famous Hat Fair.
- Work with the best: Our sessions are led by local industry professionals who are passionate about youth‑led theatre.
Here at Playmakers, we create theatre by young people, for young people — and every voice matters.
sessions encourage us to be open, to understand ourselves and the lives of others
A year in the life of a Playmakers Youth Theatre member
Autumn & spring terms (the devising season)
We work together to create original performances from scratch. This leads to the Playmakers Youth Takeover — an incredible evening of devised theatre on the main stage at Theatre Royal Winchester.
Summer term (the script & festival season)
We shift our focus to working with scripts and contemporary texts, culminating in a an outdoor performance at Hat Fair – our outdoor arts festival.
National Theatre Connections
For our Year 10+ group, we aim to take part in National Theatre Connections, the National Theatre's annual nationwide youth theatre festival. Subject to selection, the programme provides young people with the opportunity to work on and perform a published script by a professional playwright, written specifically for young people.
young theatre‑makers experience the creativity, performance and joy of theatre in a nurturing and supportive environment
Inclusive, accessible, and kind
We believe the arts are for everyone. Playmakers Youth Theatre is a place where every voice matters, regardless of background or experience.
- Financial support: We are committed to making our sessions affordable. Bursaries and financial support are available to ensure price is never a barrier to joining our youth theatre.
- Accessibility: Our team is experienced in supporting diverse access needs. We work collaboratively with parents and participants to ensure everyone feels heard and supported.
Book a free taster session
Not sure if it's for you? We’d love for you to try us out! We offer free taster sessions for all new participants. Come along, meet the team, and see what it's like to be a Playmaker.
Interested in a free taster session? Contact boxoffice@playtothecrowd.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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Playmakers Youth Theatre is kindly supported by Howden Insurance
