This year, the Lyric Hammersmith’s flagship NEET performance programme START turns 18 years old! We are delighted to be celebrating the creative and personal development of the hundreds of young people we have worked with across West London on this programme
Lyric is now accepting referrals for our Summer cohort of START, our flagship free accredited drama programme for NEET young people in West London, taking place Monday 7th July to Thursday 14th August. Please see below and attached flyer for further information.
What is START?
• START is a 4 day a week, 6 week programme for anyone who is interested in the creative arts and performing (this could be acting, creative writing, music, poetry, dance)
• It is open to 16-25 year olds in West London* who are NEET (not in employment, education or training)
o * Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Westminster
• Over the 6 weeks, the cohort will be led by theatre professionals to create a new piece of theatre
• The Lyric provide a space for young people to build on their self-confidence, collaboration skills, emotional resilience, and self-esteem
• The 6 weeks of work accumulate in a performance for family & friends at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre on Wednesday 13th August. This is professionally photographed for any portfolios/certificates needed
• START is FREE, with all lunches and snacks provided, as well as travel costs to and from the programme covered
• START is accredited, with all participants receiving a Bronze Arts Award
* Accept referrals Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Westminster
If you are working with any NEET young people with an interest in the arts (this could be writing, acting, performing, music, dance, poetry) who would be interested in taking part, please do refer them via this form. If we can support their interest with a tour of the Lyric, speaking to them or their parents/carers, please let us know!
Alternatively, could we kindly ask you to share this opportunity to anyone or any organisations who could be interested in this programme?
The 25-26 academic year START terms are:
1. Autumn Term: w/c 27th October 2025 – w/c 1st December 2025
2. Spring Term: w/c 16th February 2026 – w/c 23rd March 2026
3. Summer Term: w/c 25th May 2026 – w/c 29th June 2026
There is a new summer opportunity for young musicians and performers in West London. Please see below details and attached flyer.
🎤 We are forming a band and WE WANT YOU! 🎸
🔊 The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre are looking for 16-25 year olds in *West London to take part in our Creative Response Project to our upcoming main house show, Sing Street! 🔊
Over 2 weeks, led by Josie Charles, you will create a gig-style performance by writing original music and devising theatre about the themes of Sing Street: self-expression, ambition, and standing up for what’s right. This will lead to a performance as a Band at the Lyric Hammersmith Studio on Friday 1st August! 🎹🎵
We encourage applicants who are neurodiverse, disabled, part of the LGBTQ+ community, from low-income households, in care, are care leavers, or are carers.
In order to apply, you must be:
• Aged 16-25
• Play an instrument and/or sing
• Interested in writing and performing music and/or theatre
• Based in *West London: Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Westminster
Auditions will take place on Monday 7th July, 6.30pm – 8.30pm.
The project will take place 10am to 6pm at the Lyric on the below dates:
• Monday 21st July
• Tuesday 22nd July
• Wednesday 23rd July
• Thursday 24th July
• Friday 25th July
• Monday 28th July
• Tuesday 29th July
• Wednesday 30th July
• Thursday 31st July
• Friday 1st August – Performance
For more information and to apply: https://lyric.co.uk/sing-street-response-project/
Applications close Monday 30th June at 10am!
If you have any questions, or would like to apply in an alternative format such as video or audio application please get in touch with us via participation@lyric.co.uk.
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This event is free to attend!
Address
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Lyric Square
King Street
London
Postcode
16-25 years old