The BUZZ Network project was a transformative initiative aimed at overcoming significant challenges in the European youth theatre sector. Spanning 2019-2024, the project addressed isolation among youth theatre groups, challenged outdated perceptions, and enhanced professional training and networking opportunities across borders. 

All partners were leaders in the development of youth theatre in their own country. National development organisations Youth Theatre Arts Scotland and Youth Theatre Ireland worked alongside prominent theatres Rogaland Teater from Norway, Theater Bremen in Germany, and BRONKS from Belgium to enhance understanding of youth theatre practices continent-wide, exchange leading approaches, nurture artistic growth, and improve practices across partner countries.

The project’s activities were multifaceted and ambitious. They included specialised training Labs in Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, and Germany, where 111 professional artists and cultural leaders from 20 European countries convened. These Labs fostered a deeper understanding of international best practices and facilitated extensive networking among participants. We calculated that 45,000 young people and 5,500 staff in 20 countries will have benefitted from their leaders training at the Buzz Network Labs. A further 271 culture professionals and 280 young people from Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Belgium and Germany also took part in BUZZ Network activities held in their country. 

Despite initial setbacks caused by COVID-19, the project succeeded through adjustments to its timeline and format. Virtual adaptations (like online training, planning and networking) proved crucial in maintaining momentum and engagement during global lockdowns, and the BUZZ Network successfully adapted its resources to sustain its activities and expand its reach, with our communications reaching 118,000 people continent-wide. 

Project Outcomes and Impact 

The impact of the BUZZ Network project was profound and far-reaching. Participants reported significant gains in knowledge, confidence and international connections. The activities were praised for their organisational excellence and enriching blend of workshops, practical sessions, and networking opportunities. Feedback highlighted how these experiences not only broadened professional horizons but fostered a supportive community across European borders. 

Key outcomes included the establishment of a robust pan-European network, enhanced visibility for youth theatre as a professional sector, and the development of innovative collaborative models. The project’s web portal and mapping further bolstered its legacy by providing ongoing resources for skill development and information exchange beyond the project’s lifespan. 

Evaluation data underscored the project’s achievements, demonstrating increased awareness of youth theatre practices, enhanced professional skills and strengthened international collaborations. Participant surveys consistently indicated high levels of satisfaction and tangible improvements in their abilities to work internationally. 

Project Impacts 

• Increased awareness and understanding of youth theatre practices across Europe 
• Identified and shared best practice in youth theatre with European partners
• Enhanced the skills, networks, and confidence of youth theatre artists and leaders to operate on a European scale
• Facilitated engagement and learning for young people with theatre professionals from different countries
• Improved youth theatre practices in partner countries through research, exchanges, and events
• Created a scalable network for the exchange and mobility of youth theatre artists and leaders across Europe
• Elevated the profile of youth theatre as a professional sector and valuable art form in participating countries. 

Project Outcomes 

• We developed international training and resources for professional youth theatre artists and leaders, including international training labs and a web portal with extensive resources
• We increased awareness of international youth theatre sectors and access to best practices through pan-European recruitment, shared research, and online resources
• We fostered international career development and employment opportunities for youth theatre artists and leaders through training labs, networking events, and other BUZZ activities
• We facilitated new cross-border connections and professional networks through project events, online meetings, and platforms that reached wider audiences. 
• We developed innovative new collaborative approaches and models for international project management, training, and sector development
• We promoted intercultural dialogue and inspiration among youth theatre professionals, influencing future artistic projects and productions across Europe. 

Participant Feedback 

Participants reported significant gains in knowledge, confidence and international connections. 100% of participants surveyed told us that their participation in the Artists’ Labs had increased their knowledge and awareness of different international practice and had broadened their network of international contacts. More than three-quarters characterised the scale of their increased knowledge, awareness and contacts as “a lot”. The activities were praised for their organisational excellence and enriching blend of workshops, practical sessions and networking opportunities.  

Feedback highlighted how these experiences not only broadened professional horizons but fostered a supportive community across European borders. In fact, 95% of participants said they now had increased confidence and ability to work internationally. 

“I can now confidently speak about international practice, the network provided the opportunity to share commonalities, differences, and learn from each other. My horizons have been broadened; there’s a whole world out there that I simply did not know about” 

Future Plans 

Looking forward, the BUZZ Network’s impact is set to endure through its legacy of empowered youth theatre artists, strengthened organisational capacities and a more interconnected European community. Plans for the next phase, spanning 2026-2028, are already underway, building upon the solid foundation laid by this pioneering initiative. 

The BUZZ Network stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges and driving innovation within the European youth theatre landscape. Its success not only enriched the lives and careers of participants, but also contributed to the broader cultural fabric of Europe, ensuring youth theatre remains a vibrant and essential component of European arts policy and provision.