15-18 Young Company

What is the Orange Tree 15-18 Young Company?

The Orange Tree 15-18 Young Company is an opportunity for young people interested in performing and theatre-making to have fun, be creatively challenged and collaborate with like-minded people. You will be taught by an experienced director to be bold, creative and passionate in your work during engaging weekly sessions.

From November 2025 – May 2026, the 15-18 Young Company is forming once again to take part in the National Theatre’s Connections festival. Over the course of 7 months, the company will rehearse a brand new play and perform it twice: first on the Orange Tree stage, then in a celebration with other Youth Theatres at the Lyric Hammersmith.  A small number of companies are finally chosen to perform at the National Theatre.

15-18 Young Company members meet 1-2 times a week and will:

• Take part in a rehearsal process with Jordana Golbourn

Jordana is a Community Theatre Maker with 15 years experience directing youth theatre productions. Her work takes place in theatres, schools, community centres and women’s prisons across the UK for companies such as Almeida Theatre, Donmar Warehouse, Lyric Hammersmith, and Young Vic.

• Develop technique in voice, movement, character building and text work
• Meet and create a show with likeminded people and go on 1 show trip as a group
• Explore creative expression in a safe and supportive environment
• Perform a new play at the Orange Tree Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith, with the potential to perform as part of the National Theatre Festival in July

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for 15-18 year olds who thrive in a creative, playful rehearsal room. Maybe you’re an experienced actor or maybe this is your first time on a stage – that’s ok!  Most importantly you are ambitious for the company and excited to build a fantastic show alongside other cast members.

How do I get involved?

Applications for our 15-18 Young Company are now open! The deadline for applications is Wednesday 8 October at 6pm.

At this stage we are looking for performers, there will be opportunity later in the year to get involved as a Young Creative (for design, tech or stage management)

If you have any questions, please contact community@orangetreetheater.co.uk 

TO APPLY:

1. Read the rest of the page to make sure you are available for rehearsals and performances, and to familiarise yourself with costs and bursaries
2. Please fill out this form, telling us a little bit about yourself and why you want to be part of the 15-18 Young Company.
3. We will then invite everyone to audition at the Orange Tree Theatre on either Thursday 9^th October or Thursday 16th October. We will run a workshop audition process, with some ensemble-building activities and some script work. This allows us to meet everyone, and for you to make sure you like the way we work.

We’re so excited to meet you!

Cost and bursaries

The cost is £275 per person for the whole project. To ensure that the Young Company is accessible and open to everyone, we have full and partial bursary places available. Please get in contact with Community Director Francesca, at  francesca.ellis@orangetreetheatre.co.uk for more information.

15-18 Young Company key dates

It is essential that you are available for both Sunday rehearsals and the two performance days. The exact Lyric performance date will be confirmed asap.

Other Youth Theatre age groups

We also offer Youth Theatre classes for:

6 – 11 year olds

12 – 14 year olds

For 18 – 25 year olds please click here for more information about the Orange Tree Young Company

The Orange Tree Youth Theatre is generously supported by Peter and Rosy Gent and The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust.

With thanks to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, RPLC and the Haskel Family Foundation for their support of all OT Community projects.