Reading Rep Theatre announces summer holiday drama workshops for young people

Reading Rep Theatre has unveiled a comprehensive schedule of creative workshops and theatre camps designed to engage young people throughout the upcoming school holidays.

The Kings Road-based venue is organising a variety of weekly sessions catering to multiple age groups, ranging from early years to young adults preparing for professional training. The programme includes performance-focused workshops, specialised camps for children with additional needs, and community-based outreach sessions.

The summer season commences with the West End Experience, running from Monday, 27 July to Friday, 31 July. 

The week-long project allows participants to explore material from popular musical theatre productions including Wicked, Hamilton, Six, and Paddington. 

The workshop culminates in a musical showcase and features contributions from active industry professionals and West End performers.

The camp splits into sessions for junior and senior age groups.

Then, from 3 August to 7 August, the theatre will run Summer on Stage, a week specifically tailored for young people with special educational needs (SEN).

Led by experienced SEN theatre practitioners, the course utilises drama-based activities, improvisation, role-play, movement, and music to develop social, performance, and communication skills in a supportive environment.

Mid-August features two distinct creative options. 

Teenagers can participate in the Play in a Week challenge from 10 August to 14 August, collaborating with professional practitioners to write, devise, and perform an original piece of theatre. Simultaneously, younger children can join the Superheroes on Stage project, working collectively to build and perform an original superhero narrative.

For older performers aiming to enter higher education, a three-day Drama School Prep course runs from 17 August to 19 August. The training delivers practical coaching across three core disciplines, dedicating one day each to singing, dancing, and acting.

The holiday programme concludes on 28 August with Create, Move, Perform!, a series of workshops exploring behind-the-scenes theatrical skills alongside performance techniques. 

These sessions will take place off-site at Coley Park Community Centre.

Sam Amestoy, Director of Youth Theatre at Reading Rep Theatre, is looking forward to the summer of performance, promising that it will be bigger and more exciting than ever before. 

“Our flagship West End Experience returns, now available for both age groups, and will once again feature visits from brand-new West End stars,” he promises. 

“Alongside much-loved favourites such as Play in a Week, we’re also offering a wide range of workshops for young people eager to explore every aspect of theatre, from production to performance. Programmes include Superheroes on Stage, Summer on Stage, and Create, Move and Perform, with opportunities designed to engage all participants, including those within the SEN community.

“Whatever workshop you choose, the focus will always be on having fun while developing new skills, building confidence, and discovering the magic of theatre.”

He adds: “There’s no better place to be this summer, so come and join us at Reading Rep. 

“Whether you attend one workshop or several, we can’t wait to welcome you and share in the joy of theatre together.”

All workshops based at the main theatre take place at the Reading Rep Theatre premises on Kings Road, apart from the final sessions, which will be delivered in the Coley Park neighbourhood. Booking is required in advance for all scheduled sessions.