Do you want to be in our next Young Company? Applications open Spring 2025
Young Company is for young people who are looking for a welcoming space to be creative and connect with others, as well as those with a curiosity about theatre who want to develop skills within the North West’s largest and only full-time text based producing theatre.
As a Young Company member you will have access to Royal Exchange Theatre’s sector-leading creatives and learn the fundamentals of theatre-making. Performers will have performance opportunities and Writers & Makers will have the opportunity to have their work platformed and performed, and receive feedback.
Performers 1 (ages 14-17) & Performers 2 (ages 18-25*) – for people who like performing, acting, working in groups and trying out new styles of theatre.
Makers (ages 16-25*) – for those interested in the behind-the-scenes areas of making theatre – directing, lighting & sound, design, stage management & producing.
Writers (ages 16-25*) – for anyone who likes storytelling and is interested in writing for stage. You might be a poet or a songwriter but want to learn more about playwriting.
*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.
Previous members have said that being in Young Company:
- Increased confidence & wellbeing.
- Provided friendship & sense of belonging.
- Was an accessible & supportive environment.
- Developed their creative & transferable skills.
- Gave them pathways to other opportunities.
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“Young Company made me feel comfortable enough to be who I am. I don't know where I would be without it.”
“Over my time at the Young Company I learnt that we're all here for a reason, whether you think that you have a little or a lot of experience, we're all here to learn about the same things. And everything you learn in theatre is not just for theatre. It's something that you can use every day. You learn how to use your initiative. You learn how not to give up.”
“I wouldn't have any of the connections in the industry I do now if I hadn't gone to Young Company or the Collective workshops. I'm now doing something that I'm passionate about. I had no idea stage management existed as a possible career choice until I'd gone to the Young Company.”
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FAQ's
What is the Young Company?
The Young Company is the Royal Exchange Theatre’s award-winning resident company for participants aged 14 -25. Offering exclusive access to workshops, masterclasses, production opportunities and free tickets to all our main house shows. The Young Company Makers, Writers and Performers groups meet weekly across one year take part in in-depth training and practical opportunities supporting company members to develop, create and grow at the heart of a producing theatre.
How much does the Young Company Cost?
The young Company cost £300 for the whole year.
Payments can be split into three installments of £100 per term, or paid in one go.
Our Arts Pot scheme offers financial support for anyone who needs it. Arts Pot can be used to help cover project, membership and workshop fees, and the cost of travel to and from the Theatre. We fundraise for the Arts Pot every year and it is there for anyone who needs it! Please note we only provide Arts Pot travel within the Greater Manchester area. Asking for Arts Pot support will not affect your application. You can request the Arts Pot once we have offered you a place in the Young Company. For the Collective, you’ll either need to apply via the webpage or in our Agreement & Consent Form and then someone will be in touch.
More information about Arts Pot can be found here
I have filled out a form, what happens next?
Once you have completed the recruitment form, we will be in touch approximately one week before the workshop to confirm your time slot and the details. Everyone who completes a form is invited to a workshop, and that’s where we decide who will be in the Young Company. We might get in touch over the phone to introduce ourselves and check in about the workshop in the weeks leading up, to see if you have any questions.
Do I need to have experience?
No, we do not require you to have any experience in order to apply for the Young Company. All we require is for you to be open minded and willing to learn!
Our groups are usually a brilliant mix of people who are considering a career in theatre and those that are just looking for a space to be creative and connect with other people, there is something for everyone!
What age bracket am I in?
Performers 1: Ages 14-17
Performers 2: Ages 18-25
Makers: Ages 16-25
Writers: Ages 16-25
You must be within that age bracket on 1 September 2024 to join any of the groups.
Collective: Ages 14-25
When do the groups meet?
Performers 1: Tuesdays 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Performers 2: Tuesdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Makers: Tuesday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Writers: Tuesday, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
The groups meet in term time and have time off for Christmas, Easter & Half-Term breaks.
How do we select for Makers, Writers and Performers?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer a place to everyone who applies to the Young Company. To ensure this process is fair and consistent, we have a clear selection process in place:
1. We look at how you participate in the recruitment workshop alongside the information you put on your application form.
2. The focus of the work with the Young Company is on working as an ensemble, so we will be keen to see how you respond to this in your application and in the workshop.
3. Due to our funding requirements, we prioritise entry for young people from Greater Manchester districts – Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. This means the majority of places are offered to people who live in these districts.
4. Manchester is a vibrant and diverse city and we proactively aim to ensure the Young Company reflects this makeup in our selections.
5. The Young Company is open to everyone; whether you’re new to theatre, already have lots of experience or you’re somewhere in between. We aim to make the groups as balanced as possible, working with young people with different levels of experience.
Can I join more than one group?
You have to choose! You can’t be in more than one group, unfortunately, due to the commitment required for each group. You can reapply the following year to join a different group if you are still within the right age bracket.
Can I reapply for the Young Company?
Absolutely! We keep up to 25% of our current cohort each year, which means we are looking for 75% new people. Some people get into the Young Company on their second or even third attempt. In the meantime, why not join our Collective to take part in workshops at the Exchange throughout the year? We’ll aim to have some Collective projects lined up in the summer on top of the workshops we’ll lead in our seasonal offer.
Are the times for flexibe?
The times for the Performers, Makers and Writers groups are set. Please think about whether or not you can commit to joining the Young Company before signing up. We understand that people are busy, however you need to attend the majority of sessions in the year.
If you aren’t sure whether or not you can commit, think about signing up to the Collective which offers more flexibility by enabling you to come along to whichever workshop takes your fancy.
If I have exams in the summer, will I be able to take time off?
We understand that exams are important, and we appreciate that they come first, however, we really need our Young Company members to commit to attending all of their workshops. Due to the popularity of the programmes and the high numbers of applicants, we need to ensure that we are supporting members who can commit and attend all workshops. We understand that of course, things come up, however if you do not attend three or more sessions in a term, we may have to review your place in the Company.
Will there be a chance to perform?
The Performers group will all get a chance to perform in the second term. The Makers and Writers will also be involved in bringing the performance to life!
There are occassional opportunities for Collective to perform and some mini-projects will have performance outcomes.
Is the Young Company/ Collective fully accessible?
Yes. Please let us know of any access requirements or additional needs you may have in your application or upon booking a workshop by emailing scarlett.spiro-beazley@royalexchange.co.uk
I've decided that I no longer want to take part, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds as a general policy. Please contact scarlett.spiro-beazley@royalexchange.co.uk for more information.
