Removing barriers to the arts

We are an award-winning company that brings authentic theatre to communities who wouldn’t usually access the arts and creates opportunities to develop talent in the North East of England.

From social clubs, parks and community centres, to schools, libraries and theatres, we work with organisations and communities to deliver high quality performances and projects that improve access to theatre.

Removing barriers to the arts

We are an award-winning company that brings authentic theatre to communities who wouldn’t usually access the arts and creates opportunities to develop talent in the North East of England.

From social clubs, parks and community centres, to schools, libraries and theatres, we work with organisations and communities to deliver high quality performances and projects that improve access to theatre.

Championing North East talent

Since 2017, we have created over 150 professional roles for North East actors, writers, directors and creatives.

Through our productions and talent development projects, we provide career support to new and established local artists.

We’re accepting script submissions from North East writers!

Check out the details for our latest talent development project in partnership with Gala Durham, supported by Arts Council England!

STELLA wins at BIFA-qualifying film festivals!

Our first short film collaboration is winning awards on the festival circuit! We’re over the moon to have brought Sarah Tarbit’s script to the screen and reach wider audiences with her powerful story.

Audience & artist engagement

Statistics infographic: To date, we have performed to 8470 audience members. Delivered 134 performances. Facilitated 75 workshops with 1564 participants. 82% of our 2024 audiences weren’t regular theatre-goers. 67% of our shows & workshops to date have taken place in communities amongst the 20% most deprived in England. 73% of our 2024 audiences identified as working-class. Created 154 professional roles for North East creatives.

Our work is focused on three key areas

A diverse group of writers sit around a table discussing their work.

Talent Development

Through our productions and talent development projects, we create professional roles and development opportunities for actors, writers, directors and creatives in the region. Our talent development strategy supports the development of new writing and provides career support to new and established local artists through professional & training opportunities.

Productions

Since 2017, we have successfully toured a diverse range of full theatre productions, including a beloved North East play that has resonated deeply with local audiences, as well as several original works that showcase the creativity and talent of our region.

Our touring productions reflect our commitment to engage underserved audiences with authentic theatre that entertains but also serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection on the issues that matter most to our communities.

A diverse, happy group of people attending a community theatre production.

Youth and Community

Our family performances find a fun way to tackle challenges faced by families and young people in the North East. It’s important to us to deliver inclusive, participatory arts projects, particularly in communities which are culturally underserved.