Main Stage Summer 2026: Backstage Course

York Theatre Royal is running a backstage course this August for young people who'd rather be behind the scenes than centre stage. It's part of the Youth Theatre's summer programme, and the production they're working on is Wendy & Peter Pan. The course is open to 12- to 19-year-olds, so it's aimed at the secondary school and college crowd.

There's a bit of history to this one: it marks the Youth Theatre's return to the Main House stage for the first time since 2019, so this isn't just a small studio project. The whole point is to get young people working alongside professional theatre-makers to co-create a show, rather than just following a script. The theatre describes it as an inclusive and accessible opportunity, and they've got tailored support in place for anyone with access needs, including one-to-one mentors or adapted rehearsal schedules.

It's a two-week commitment. Week one runs Monday 24 August to Friday 28 August, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Week two is Tuesday 1 September to Saturday 5 September, 9.30am to 6.00pm. You'll need to be available for all those dates and times, and there are audition workshops in June and July 2026 to allocate roles. The production is led by Sophie-Jade Howell, Head of Youth Theatre, and Lydia Crosland, Community Connector.

There are three pricing bands: Band 1 is £240, Band 2 is £100, and Band 3 is £50. If you're looking for a way into theatre that doesn't involve standing in the spotlight, this is a proper look at how a show actually gets put together.