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Handsworth Association of Schools & Blue Orange Theatre
This youth-led theatre project aimed to inspire local youth action and help young people deal with the social and emotional issues that they were experiencing post COVID-19. Handsworth Association of Schools in partnership with Blue Orange Theatre linked up young people from a number of local schools across Handsworth, helping them create theatre from their own experiences, and empower their collective voice.
The project focused specifically on young people aged 13-16 who felt disincentivised about their future because of the impact and uncertainty of the pandemic. Young people participated in practical theatrical workshops face to face and online to develop skills, inform their opinions and become the voice of change for other young people. A new dedicated youth performing arts YouTube channel was also set up, and a final online video was created which advocated youth expression for 2021.
THE COMMISSION
ABOUT THE COLLABORATORS
Handsworth Association of Schools is a charitable network of over 20 schools who work in partnership with their community for the benefit of children and young people. They exist to improve the life chances, education, health, well-being, and social integration of economically disadvantaged, multi-ethnic families in Birmingham.
Blue Orange Arts are a charity which makes theatre and workshops accessible for local communities in Birmingham. They deliver many varied projects, using drama and theatre techniques to engage local communities with social issues such as mental health, homelessness, and social isolation.