THEATRE TROUPE CIO

Theatre Troupe works with children and young people with mental health problems, transforming lives through the radical nature of participatory theatre. Through community programmes and projects in schools, health and social care settings, our specialist, research-based work is designed to reduce distress, increase self-esteem, build safe and trusting relationships, and create brighter futures.

We offer community workshop programmes and bespoke projects in schools and other settings for young people with acute and complex mental distress as a result of trauma.

When young people join a Theatre Troupe project, they become part of a “Troupe” (theatre company). During the length of a project (usually a year), they have the chance to get involved in all aspects of theatre, including acting, directing, writing, composing and set and costume design. Each Troupe models an alternative family, which acts as a nurturing unit, giving young people a place to belong and heal.

Our workshops are highly supported so we can work with the most vulnerable young people. We have an onsite therapist. Each child has a one to one volunteer mentor who offers artistic and emotional support, and we provide wraparound provision of food and transport to mitigate against social and economic marginalisation.

Based on our conviction and experience that the power of theatre is a means of self-expression, and a way to explore and understand interpersonal relationships, our work has a specific methodology and research base that is informed by Attachment Theory and neurobiological attunement.