Theatre Explorers
Theatre Explorers is our community theatre programme for learning disabled and autistic young people in Newham. Through drama groups, performance projects and creative activities, young people can explore their creativity, build confidence and connect with others who share their interests.
Supported by Youth Music’s Shift the Scene fund, we’re working with brilliant partners, including Newham Youth Empowerment Service, the University of East London and Sadler’s Wells East, to create more opportunities for the next generation of creatives.
But we’re not just supporting young people to take their first steps into the creative industries. We’re also pushing the industry to rethink who gets to make and present theatre, and how we can make it more inclusive.
Find the details of our different groups below
Theatre Explorers Company (17 to 30 years old)
Theatre Explorers Company are a high-energy, highly creative group of young artists who work collaboratively to express their views, devise their own stories and develop their performance skills.
There are some opportunities to perform, but wanting to perform is not essential to accessing the group.
Who is it for?
Learning Disabled and autistic young people aged between 17 – 30 years old who live, work or study in Newham.
When?
Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7:30pm.
Please get in touch with us for term dates.
Where does it take place?
The Source, Stratford E15 1BX
How do I book a session?
Contact Sophie by email on: [email protected]
Theatre Explorers Youth Company (11 to 16 years old)
Theatre Explorers Youth Company is our new workshop programme for Secondary school aged participants, beginning in 2027.
These workshops are an opportunity for young people to make new friends, play games and have a low-pressure environment to explore drama and acting.
These sessions are designed to build young people’s confidence, support self-expression and to be enjoyable.
Who is it for?
Learning Disabled and autistic young people between 11 and 16 years old who live or study in Newham. You do not have to have any drama experience to take part!
When?
Tuesdays from 4pm – 5:30pm. From January 2027.
Where does it take place?
The Source, Stratford E15 1BX
How do I book a session?
Contact Sophie by email on: [email protected]
Theatre Explorers – Shift into Creative Careers
Shift into Creative Careers is our new workshop programme supporting young people to explore careers in the creative industries. From performers to workshop facilitators, access consultants to set designers, we want to shed light on what types of creative jobs are out there, and create a space where young people can explore these options for themselves. Sessions will include visits from industry professionals and trips to local venues including Theatre Royal Stratford East and Sadlers Wells. And of course, our Associate Artists will be leading the way and sharing their professional experience.
Coming in January 2027.
Who is it for?
Learning Disabled and autistic young people aged between 17 – 30 years old who live, work or study in Newham. If you’re wondering about a career in the arts, this is the one for you!
When?
Thursdays from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. From 2027.
Where does it take place?
The Source, Stratford E15 1BX
How do I book a session?
Contact Sophie by email on: [email protected]
Meet the facilitators
Adam Smith
Associate Director of Take Part
After completing Access All Areas’ Transforming Leadership programme in 2021-2022, Adam joined Access All Areas as an Associate Director of Take Part.
He co-leads on the Departure Lounge and Spring Back programme. He has transformed the way we evaluate those programmes in a more accessible way. He also led on creating our Spring Back spin-off at Battersea Art Centre.
He co-leads on our consultancy work around accessible facilitation.
Adam is also an Associate Artist of Access All Areas. To learn more on his artistic career, read Adam’s Artist Profile.
Georgia Carnaby
Creative support/Workshop facilitator
Georgia has been a part of the Access All Areas team since 2021 when she began her Placement with AAA as part of her MA in Applied Theatre at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Prior to this, she studied Drama and Theatre Studies at Royal Holloway and the Acting Part-time course at Rose Bruford College.
Georgia has worked as creative support and as a facilitator across the Take Part and Train programme projects. She has supported emerging AAA artists on their Performance Diploma, been integrated creative support on “UnReal City” and supported audiences on “The Interrogation”.
Georgia’s practice is inclusive, celebratory and sensory.
Alongside Access All Areas creative support, she facilitates sensory dance, music and Soundbath and works as a performer in immersive theatre, burlesque and cabaret.
Helen Bryer
Director of Take Part and Train
Helen is Director of Take Part and Train at Access All Areas. She leads on the company’s participatory and community work, as well as the Performance Making Diploma. Before joining Access All Areas, Helen worked as Graeae Theatre Company’s Access Manager, overseeing all elements of access and working with other organisations to think creatively about inclusion. She has over fifteen years’ experience in participatory arts as a director, teacher and project manager, working across the UK in health and social care, arts and education settings with a wide range of participants.
Supported by
