Theatre for Young Audiences: Programming and Reviewing

Join Helen Matravers (Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Polka Theatre) and Mary Pollard (Theatre for Young Audiences specialist at Everything Theatre) for a Creative Conversation.

Using examples from recent shows, Helen and Mary will lead a conversation about the importance of Theatre for Young Audiences, and what it can teach all theatre-makers about making and evaluating work.  

The discussion will cover a range of topics, including:

• The nuances of Theatre for Young Audiences
• Why some critics are reluctant to engage with the genre, and how we talk about this complex work – which ranges from sensory experiences, right through to the West End spectacle of Matilda
• The challenges of commissioning and programming Theatre for Young Audiences  
• How young voices are critically interwoven into the making of theatre
• How we recognise, celebrate and meet theatre for young audiences with the same level of rigour and expectation of adult theatre

This is a limited capacity session, so book early to avoid disappointment. Come armed with questions, and ready to discuss and unlock the nuances of this specialism.