Update browser for a secure Made experience

It looks like you may be using a web browser version that we don't support. Make sure you're using the most recent version of your browser, or try using of these supported browsers, to get the full Made experience: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

Donate Basket {{ ViewModel.Items.length + (ViewModel.Donation ? 1 : 0) }}

Donate this week. Your donation will be doubled

Posted 16 Mar 2026

Photo by Ellie Kurttz

www.elliekurttz.com The entire copyright in the Photographs is retained by the Photographer at all times throughout the world. All reproductions require license. ©elliekurttz 2025

Donate via the Big Give between 17 - 23 March
Your donation will be doubled

Donate here

In its 70th anniversary year, National Youth Theatre (NYT) is championing access, inclusion and youth voice with its flagship inclusion programme, Playing Up, removing barriers to creative opportunity and supporting 30 young people to build skills, confidence, wellbeing and routes into employment.

Situation

1 in 5 young people aged 8-25 had a mental health condition in 2023 (NHS). Vulnerable groups such as care leavers, refugees and disabled people are disproportionately affected. There is extensive evidence, as reported by the UK Govt, for the capacity of arts participation to mitigate these challenges however, young people from marginalised backgrounds face barriers to creative opportunities, deepening inequality across a sector where 95% of employees are from more privileged backgrounds.

Solution

Playing Up is a free accredited drama training programme for young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) who are vulnerable, face challenges, and have often left school without A-Levels. Playing Up combines professional training with bespoke pastoral care to navigate young people away from becoming long-term NEET and to enhance mental wellbeing. We foreground access, equity and inclusion, supporting those facing complex challenges with a broad and responsive network of support

Donate via the Big Give between 17 - 23 March<br />
Your donation will be doubled<br />
Donate here<br />
<br />
In its 70th anniversary year, National Youth Theatre (NYT) is championing access, inclusion and youth voice with its flagship inclusion programme, Playing Up, removing barriers to creative opportunity and supporting 30 young people to build skills, confidence, wellbeing and routes into employment.<br />
<br />
Situation<br />
1 in 5 young people aged 8-25 had a mental health condition in 2023 (NHS). Vulnerable groups such as care leavers, refugees and disabled people are disproportionately affected. There is extensive evidence, as reported by the UK Govt, for the capacity of arts participation to mitigate these challenges however, young people from marginalised backgrounds face barriers to creative opportunities, deepening inequality across a sector where 95% of employees are from more privileged backgrounds.<br />
<br />
Solution<br />
Playing Up is a free accredited drama training programme for young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) who are vulnerable, face challenges, and have often left school without A-Levels. Playing Up combines professional training with bespoke pastoral care to navigate young people away from becoming long-term NEET and to enhance mental wellbeing. We foreground access, equity and inclusion, supporting those facing complex challenges with a broad and responsive network of support

Runtime: 01:08