About Us

Creating a better world through theatre

Founded in 1953 by Brian Way and Margaret Faulks, we've been a vital catalyst for youth leadership and creativity for 70 years.

In this time, we’ve commissioned 108 writers and produced 237 plays. We have played to audiences of over 1 million in schools and theatres and we have worked with over 250,000 young people through a vast range of projects. Some of those young people are now working in the arts, running companies of their own, or in education teaching drama to the next generations.

We commission new writing from trailblazing writers, touring directly into schools and theatres UK-wide, as well as running our year-round Future Makers activities to bring young people, artists, and teachers together as creative collaborators. Future Makers makes space for young people to have agency as they nurture their talent and interests on their own terms.

We see access, equality, and representation as foundations of a fair society and work to dismantle exclusion and systemic injustice. We prioritise areas that are systemically underserved and excluded, removing economic and social barriers, and working where young people can benefit most. We celebrate the true creative diversity only the widest access can bring.

For many students this will be their only opportunity to experience live theatre. It is critically important that they do. Thanks to everyone involved another excellent visit from Theatre Centre.
— Teacher
I’ve never done anything like this before in school. It’s really helped me to build confidence when sharing my opinion in front of my friends .
— Young Future Maker
I have long admired Theatre Centre’s work in producing fine plays for young audiences and doing everything possible to promote the genre through new writing.
— Susan Elkin, The Stage

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