National Theatre Connections 2026

Kensington Arts Seeks Young Performers for National Theatre Connections 2026

Kensington Arts, Douglas, is thrilled to invite drama students aged 13-19 to take part in the 2026 National Theatre Connections project, an acclaimed festival celebrating new writing and the theatre-makers of tomorrow. Every year, the National Theatre commissions ten new plays for young people to perform, working with over 250 youth companies and more than 6,000 young people across the British Isles.

NT Connections has inspired hundreds of Manx performers since Kensington Arts (formerly the Youth Arts Centre) joined the programme over a decade ago. Alumni have gone on to drama schools, signed with top London agents, become Manx Youth Bards, and even landed leading roles in hit TV series like Netflix’s Heartstopper. Connections is a unique platform for young people to develop skills, build friendships, and experience the excitement of professional theatre.

David Dawson will once again be leading as Director, aided by Ben Gale as Assistant Director and Paul Ellison as Technical Manager. David said: “I’m really excited to be starting this year’s National Theatre Connections programme, especially as we’ll be performing Fishville by Asante Gray. It’s a powerful piece that explores the mystery and force of the sea, and what it means to live alongside it. This will be our 11th year taking part in Connections, and it feels just as thrilling as the first. The programme has become such an important platform for nurturing young talent on the island, giving our performers the chance to grow in confidence, develop their skills, and share their creativity with a wider audience. Over the years, we’ve seen incredible success and inspiring journeys through Connections, and I can’t wait to see what this year brings as we bring this remarkable story to life.”

After weeks of rehearsal, each Connections cast gives a Home Performance at their own venue, in our case at Kensington Arts in Douglas, attended by a National Theatre Mentor Director. They then take their show on the road to the Partner Theatre Festival, for us in 2026 this will be the Blackpool Grand Theatre. Stand-out groups may then be invited to perform at the prestigious Connections Summer Festival.

For anyone on island aged 13-19 looking to get involved either on stage or behind the scenes, a series of free introductory workshops (and informal auditions) will be held at Kensington Arts on Thursday 25th September, 5-7pm, Tuesday 30th September, 5-7pm and Thursday 2nd October, 4:30-6:30pm.

Attendance at all three workshops isn’t required, but anyone wishing to attend more than one will have more opportunity to show off their skills. For the chosen cast, regular rehearsals will then take place every Tuesday and Thursday evening thereafter. Connections also welcomes those who wish to ‘shine behind the scenes’ and take part off-stage, working on other essential elements such as set, props, costume, sound, and lighting design.

Kensington Arts’ Creative Development Co-Ordinator, Emma Goodson said, “Connections always produces through-provoking plays that challenge boundaries in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and relevant to our young participants. We are incredibly excited to be launching another year of the Connections programme and bring this transformative opportunity to more young people on the Island.”

There is no need to register in advance for the free workshops, all are welcome.

If you have any questions about the workshops, or about being involved in the-behind-the scenes with tech and staging, then you can email Emma, at Emma.Goodson@gov.im

You can also visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/young-people/connections/ to learn more about the initiative.