The White City Theatre Project (WCTP) CIC,was set up to benefit the children and young people living within the community of White City and Shepherds Bush. Delivering weekly sessions at the Bush Theatre it provides structured drama based learning opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise not have the access or money for this free service. WCTP aims to raise aspiration, support personal and social development, build self-confidence and enable new friendships in a safe environment. WCYT have been selected to participate in the National Theatre’s NT Connections Festival 2018, a prestigious & exciting opportunity for our members. The WCYT and DanceWest are partnering to support 30 young people from West London to experience working on a brand new production written specifically for young people by talented playwright Phoebe Eclair-Powell for the Connections Festival. This will be performed on the main stage at the Bush theatre to a public audience.

What we'll deliver:

• A brand new production for the National Theatre NT Connections Festival & Bush Theatre.
• 10 rehearsals with DanceWest.
• 2 days intensive weekender rehearsal period.
• Weekly rehearsal sessions at the Bush Theatre.
• Home performance attended by a National Theatre Director for an audience of friends and family.
• National Theatre NT Connections Festival performance on the main stage at the Bush Theatre, open to the public.

Why it's a great idea:

The NT Connections Festival is a rare, professional and high profile opportunity which allows our young people to get involved in all the processes of staging a specially commissioned play written by a well known playwright on a professional theatre stage to a public audience and family members. Through this partnership with DanceWest the young people will learn how to perform as an ensemble and create an original piece of theatre which they can feel proud of. The young people come together from diverse backgrounds and many different schools in West London. It’s an opportunity for them to work creatively building confidence, self-esteem and making new friendships.

Steps to get it done:

• Planning & Development Day - Movement Director and Directors meet to discuss ideas, participants and plan.
• Delivery session 1 - Movement Director attends first session, meets young people and tries some ideas.
• Planning & Development Session - Movement Director and Directors reflect and assess how the sessions will be delivered
• Series of movement workshop sessions working towards a final production
• Home Production Day at The Bush Theatre for friends and family
• NT Connections Festival Production Day & final performance on the main stage of the Bush Theatre attended by the public.

Weekly rehearsals will take place at the Bush Theatre. Weekend rehearsals are at a local venue to be confirmed.