A year-long programme for people aged 14-25* interested in performing, acting, working in groups and trying out new styles of theatre.

Young Company Performers focuses on making theatre and performing. Sessions will offer practical approaches to performing, introducing you to a variety of acting techniques and skills, explore what it means to work in an ensemble both in a rehearsal room and on stage. Alongside professional directors, you will develop a foundation of performance skills including movement, approaches to script, creating a character, devising and improvisation. There will be performance opportunities throughout the year.

Performers 1 (ages 14-17) meet on Tuesdays 5:00-7:00pm
Performers 2 (ages 18-25) meet on Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm

Our Young Performers will:

  • Develop in-depth performance skills
  • Learn about a variety of performance styles
  • Get practical and try different techniques
  • Perform as a group
  • Work with large groups and lots of different people
  • Develop in confidence
  • Share ideas
  • Explore and discussing theatre with like-minded people


As a Young Performer you will have access to:

  • Weekly skills sessions
  • Opportunities to make, watch and learn more about theatre
  • Free tickets to Royal Exchange main house productions
  • Access to opportunities in the arts, information about events, tickets and work in Manchester.
  • Production opportunities
  • Opportunities to collaborate intergenerationally with our Elders Company
  • Mentoring from theatre staff and exclusive backstage access.

Fees are £300 for the year. Financial support to help with membership and travel costs to and from the theatre is available through our scheme called Arts Pot. Applications to the Arts Pot can be made once you have been offered a place in the Young Company.

*For those over 21 will prioritise applications from people who are underrepresented in theatre including but not limited to disabled young people, D/deaf young people, neurodivergent young people, Global Majority young people, working class young people.