Youth theatre

A group of young people looking at an alarm clock.
Playmakers Youth Theatre logo

Join Playmakers Youth Theatre

Playmakers is Winchester's home for young people who want to lead the way. Offering dynamic, practical, and inspiring sessions for school years 3 to 10+. With Playmakers you won't just learn to act — you'll learn to create.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping onto a stage for the first time, Playmakers provide a safe, bold, and supportive space to explore your imagination, take risks, and find your creative voice.

Are you ready to create theatre that is truly your own?

Groups & sessions

Playmakers meet weekly for 90‑minute sessions throughout the academic year. Groups are split by school year to ensure everyone gets the right level of challenge and support.

Related items

  1. Youth theatre members performing on a stage.
    Playmakers Youth Theatre

    Drama & Theatre (School Years 10+)

      Venue
      TBC
      More info
    • Three young people wearing matching stripy t-shirts and giant hats, and holding giant lollipop props.
      Playmakers Youth Theatre

      Drama & Theatre (School Years 7–9)

        Venue
        TBC
        More info
      • Two young people performing in front of a large green backdrop.
        Playmakers Youth Theatre

        Drama & Theatre (School Years 3–6)

          Venue
          TBC
          More info

        Why join Playmakers Youth Theatre?

        Build your confidence

        Develop self‑expression and resilience in a supportive group.  

        Master your craft

        Learn professional skills in storytelling, physical theatre, improvisation, and character development.

        Perform on professional stages

        Show off your hard work at the historic Theatre Royal Winchester and the world‑famous Hat Fair.

        Work with the best

        Our sessions are led by local industry professionals who are passionate about youth‑led theatre

        Playmakers create theatre by young people, for young people — and every voice matters.

        Image gallery

        • Two young performers whispering on stage.
        • A young person working on a sound desk and wearing headphones.
        • Young people on stage looking shocked and pointing.
        • Young performers in school uniform on stage and looking happy.

        The year

        Autumn & spring terms (the devising season)

        We work together to create original performances from scratch. This leads to the Playmakers Youth Takeover — an incredible evening of devised theatre on the main stage at Theatre Royal Winchester.

        Summer term (the script & festival season)

        We shift our focus to working with scripts and contemporary texts, culminating in a an outdoor performance at Hat Fair – our outdoor arts festival.

        National Theatre Connections

        For our Year 10+ group, we aim to take part in National Theatre Connections, the National Theatre's annual nationwide youth theatre festival. Subject to selection, the programme provides young people with the opportunity to work on and perform a published script by a professional playwright, written specifically for young people.

        Book a free taster session

        Not sure if it's for you? We’d love for you to try us out! We offer free taster sessions for all new participants. Come along, meet the team, and see what it's like to be a Playmaker.

        Interested in a free taster session? Contact boxoffice@playtothecrowd.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.

        Shian Hunter-Brown, Young People's Producer, black top

        Any questions?

        If you'd like to talk more about Playmakers Youth Theatre, contact Shian at shian@playtothecrowd.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
        Email Shian

        Playmakers Youth Theatre is kindly supported by Howden Insurance