White City Theatre Project - a partner spotlight

Who we are

White City Theatre Project (WCTP) has a mission to empower young people in London's underserved communities by realising their potential through high quality, performing arts programmes, delivered by inspirational theatre makers and facilitators. We run a youth theatre, currently based at the Bush Theatre and drama therapy groups and performance projects in schools across London. 

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How do we work together?

ReAct at WCTP has been collaborating with AllChild since its inception, beginning with a pilot drama therapy programme at Phoenix Academy in January 2016. Since then, we have become a regular partner, running drama therapy groups across numerous schools both secondary and primary.

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ReAct Festival Project in partnership with AllChild‍

This year, we are thrilled to partner with AllChild on our ReAct Schools Festival. We will be working with two partner schools – Harris Lowe Academy and King Solomon Academy – delivering drama workshops for all Year 8 students in small groups on this year’s subject of ‘Freedom’.

In the second stage of the project, we will select groups of ten students from each school to devise a theatre piece based on the same theme. Each group will be supported by a dedicated team of theatre practitioners who will guide them through the creative process.

At the end of the summer term in July, all six groups will come together to perform their pieces at the ReAct Festival, which will take place at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith. We are excited to see the incredible work these young people will create and share with their families, peers and the wider community.

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What is so important about our work

Lucy Foxell and Melanie Thaw, the co-founders of White City Theatre Project, are passionate about the transformative effect of drama on the young people we work with. With the upcoming generations of young people being so immersed in a digital world there has never been a more important time for encouraging face to face contact and communication. 

We constantly witness positive outcomes, where even the quietest and most self-conscious child discovers a voice and a form of self-expression they never knew existed. 

Drama and Drama therapy works on so many different levels and are particularly effective for young people struggling with mental health and self-confidence. 

Through games, storytelling, and theatre techniques, our work offers a safe space to explore issues they may be facing at home or school. It provides a non-judgmental environment where they can express themselves freely and creatively. 

Drama skills help build confidence, improve communication and empathy and enhance problem solving. We equip young people with techniques that help them navigate their behaviour and relationships with both adults and peers, improving their school and home lives. The difference it makes is regularly acknowledged by the participant’s schools and families. Most importantly it gives them a chance to connect and work together in a fun and playful way.

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‍Plans for the future

WCTP is keen to further embed its work in London schools, demonstrating the power of the arts and the positive impact it can have on all aspects of students' education and well-being.

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https://www.whitecitytheatre.com

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