Connections

Kensington Arts is thrilled to take part in another year of the National Theatre Connections programme; a unique opportunity to perform brand new plays written by some of the UK’s most exciting writers and take your talent to the next level. Each year, Connections brings together creative young people from across the UK and British Isles.

For anyone on island aged 13–19 looking to get involved in the 2026-2027 programme, either on stage or behind the scenes, a series of free introductory workshops — working as informal auditions — will be held at Kensington Arts Friday 2nd October and Tuesday 6th October, all 5–7pm.

While Connections is well known as an opportunity for performers, Kensington Arts is equally keen to hear from young people interested in the technical and creative side of theatre production. The company runs a weekly Tech Crew programme every Tuesday evening, 7–9pm, where participants can:

• Learn how to create atmosphere and support the action on stage using lighting — setting up and operating equipment, and exploring how colour, intensity and timing help tell a story
• Explore how sound is used in live theatre, including music, sound effects and microphones — learning to set up, operate and manage sound to bring a production to life
• Help design and build the set and staging, including developing ideas and constructing set pieces

As of 10th September, we are currently waiting to hear which play (out of our first and second choice) is given to us by the National Theatre.

Last year, Kensington Arts produced the play Fishville by Afsaneh Gray. It’s a powerful, sea-soaked story which was brought to life by the cast, under the direction of David Dawson, with Ben Gale as Assistant Director and Paul Ellison as Technical Manager.

In 2025, participants presented RAVERS by Rikki Beadle-Blair. The play follows a group of self-described “neeks” (nerd-geek hybrids) as they plan a ‘dry’ rave to redefine what it means to be cool. They performed at Kensington Arts in March and then at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Scotland in April. This marked10 years of Kensington Arts’ ongoing involvement with National Theatre Connections.

David Dawson said: “Looking back as Kensington Arts goes into our 10th year of being a part of this prestigious festival, we have been blessed with incredible opportunities and exciting experiences. In my time directing Connections I have seen young adults grow as performers and as people, finding friends for life and new found confidence in themselves. It has been a wonderful time and I look forward to the next 10 years!”

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National Theatre Connections 2027 — FAQs:

Who can take part?
Anyone aged 13–19 who lives on the Island is invited to audition. No previous experience is necessary — we welcome complete beginners as well as those who have performed before.

How strict is the age-range?
Participants must be at least 13 years old by February 2027 in order to qualify to take part in the programme.

What roles are available, other than acting?
Connections isn’t just for performers. We’re also keen to hear from young people interested in the technical and creative side of theatre-making, including:

• Lighting — setting up and operating equipment
• Sound — music and sound effects
• Set and staging — designing and building set pieces
• Stage management, costume, and other production support

How do I get involved?
Come along to one of our free introductory workshops, which double as informal auditions:

• Friday 2nd October 2026, 5–7pm
• Tuesday 6th October 2026, 5–7pm

Do I need to sign up for the workshops in advance?
No — you do not need to register to attend. Just come along on the day.

Do I have to attend both workshops?
No. Attendance to both workshops isn’t required but anyone who attends more than one will have more opportunity to show off their skills.

What happens after the workshops?
Once the cast and crew are chosen, regular rehearsals will take place every Tuesday and Friday evening. Tech Crew takes place on Tuesday evenings only.

Is there a cost to take part?
The participation fee for cast members is £165, plus some additional fees for the Partner Theatre Festival trip in the Spring.

Where do the workshops and rehearsals take place?
Kensington Arts, Kensington Road, Douglas, IM1 3EG. Weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays during term-time.

When are the Home Performances?
Performances at Kensington Arts will take place on 19th to 21st February 2027. Tech week will start on Monday 15th February (Feb Half-Term) – the cast and crew must be available for the whole week.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
You can contact Emma Goodson, Creative Development Coordinator, at emma.goodson@gov.im.

Read below a couple of quotes from past participants on their experience of the project:

“My time at Kensington Arts under the National Theatre Connections programme was truly transformative. It not only enhanced my acting skills, pushing me to explore new techniques and characters, but also boosted my confidence; something I’ve carried with me from my school years into adulthood. The experience taught me the value of teamwork, and provided the amazing opportunity to perform both locally and abroad. This fostered my independence and allowed me to witness incredible talent from across the British Isles. Being involved in every aspect of the experience—from set design to sharing directing ideas—made each production all the more enjoyable. I will always be grateful for the experience and the lasting memories, and would recommend the programme to anyone!”

– Scarlett

“NT Connections was one of the most enjoyable experiences I had especially during times of stress in school. I provided a safe and lovable place to turn to, where I met great friends and got to experiment and discover what I truly love about Theatre. Inspiring me to continue my study of the subject at University.

The programme is like nothing else and with David Dawson guiding us it allowed hard work while still having fun, something which is hard to come by. I look back on my two years there with laughter as I remember times in the Kensington Arts costume rooms trying on various hats, while getting ready for shows. Or the various road trips to perform in the UK with the conversations never ending. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate and get involved. I believe it is just another part of what makes the arts truly spectacular on the Isle of Man.”

– Alice

“I had lost a lot of confidence in my abilities as a performer since it had been several years since I last performed in front of an audience before doing Connections. I had been worried about taking part because it felt like everyone had more experience than me, but once I got involved I realised the experience wasn’t what mattered, it was how dedicated I was to make a good performance. Realising I had that drive had helped me both creatively and individually.”

– Dan

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