The idea
Saturday Family Hangout at Theatre Porto provides a welcoming and creative space for local families to connect and enjoy free activities together. Parents and carers are encouraged to take part alongside their children, with sessions modelling simple, accessible creative activities that families can enjoy together and easily repeat at home.
Led by Associate Director Phil Cross and supported by Theatre Porto’s experienced team, the sessions invite families to play, craft, and explore stories in a relaxed, informal environment. By opening up the theatre as a friendly and accessible cultural space, Family Hangout helps build family connection, reduce isolation, and support families to feel confident returning to the venue.
What we'll deliver
- Min of 30 x free weekly Saturday Family Hangout sessions offering shared creative activities for families.
- A welcoming, accessible space that supports family connection and reduces isolation,
- Enables families from diverse and socio-economic backgrounds to engage in creative activity.
- Ongoing engagement with both new and existing families.
- Weekly attendance of 25–60 people and over 100 first-time families introduced to the theatre to date.
- Pathways for families to progress into performances, workshops, and drama groups, extending involvement beyond sessions.
Why it's a great idea
Emotional wellbeing and family connection: Participation in enjoyable creative activities supports mental health and emotional wellbeing for both adults and children. Taking part together strengthens relationships within families and creates positive shared experiences.
Diversity and inclusion: The project welcomes families from varied backgrounds, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Being free to attend ensures families facing socio-economic disadvantage can access creative activity and cultural space.
Local engagement: By running every week, Theatre Porto becomes a consistent and trusted meeting place for local families, helping to build connections and a sense of community.
Increased access to the arts: Families who may not typically visit theatres are introduced to the space in a low-pressure, informal way. For many, Family Hangout is a first step into further engagement with performances, workshops, or drama groups.
Steps to get it done
- write a project brief for the delivery team
- publicise the continuation of FHO on socials and mail chimp
- deliver first of the funded sessions in April 2026
- mid way evaluation in June 2026
- complete funded delivery October 2026
