Join YTAS to discuss how youth theatre can play a crucial role in helping young people to negotiate the online world safely.
Young people’s lives are increasingly digital, and youth theatre can play a crucial role in helping them to negotiate the online world. But digital doesn’t just mean online – it might be about getting young people together to make a film, create electronic music, or plan a photoshoot. It can also mean how youth theatre leaders use digital tools to facilitate their work.
In this Knowledge Exchange, we’ll talk about how youth theatre can recognise that young people’s voices are at the centre of everything that we do, while also ensuring that digital safeguarding is part of the conversation. Come along if you’d like to pick up any tips from across the sector that you might not have considered to keep young people safe, or if you have any tried and tested methods you’d like to share.
What’s a Knowledge Exchange?
Building on previous exchange events and practical Swap Shops, our series of Knowledge Exchange events are facilitated meetings about a specific topic or trend that we have identified in the sector.
They are a space to come together and share knowledge in all forms, whether that’s discussing projects you’re involved in, offering a sneak-peak at policies you’re writing, sharing processes and admin top tips, or making new connections across the sector.
Knowledge Exchange sessions won’t aim to solve the issues presented or invent new projects, although they may lead to actions for Future Us… by attending, you’ll be helping YTAS to identify further ways to support and advocate for the amazing work of the youth theatre sector.
Who is it for?
Knowledge Exchange events are open to all YTAS members, those representing organisations as well as freelancers. The conversations will likely centre around topics which are relevant to managers or those responsible for implementing change within their organisations, but we welcome a wide range of knowledge and experience.
There is no minimum or maximum number of attendees – whoever comes along are the right people to come along and we will hold everyone’s knowledge and experience with the same importance.
YTAS staff will host and facilitate each meeting, document the conversations, and share notes at the end. We have programmed the first six topics for this year (with further dates to add for some topics), but we welcome ideas for future exchange.
Meetings will be a mix of virtual gatherings as well as regionally-focused conversations. If you have a venue and are interested in hosting a Knowledge Exchange in your region, get in touch!
Other Knowledge Exchange Events
Registrations and Admin Systems: Tuesday 22 September 2026, 10.30am
Expanding Who Applies (Inclusive Recruitment Strategies): Wednesday 28 October 2026, 1pm
UNCRC and Rights-Based Approaches to Youth Theatre: Wednesday 27 January 2027, 2.30pm
Fair Work in Practice: Tuesday 16 February 2027, 10am
EDI Policy and Action Planning: Wednesday 17 March 2027, 1pm
Broadening Participation in Youth Theatre: Tuesday 13 April 2027, 10am
This is a safe space where all identities are welcome and valued
YTAS strives to create and hold events and spaces where everyone feels welcome and the safety of others is valued. This commitment applies to all our online and in-person services, activities, and communication channels.
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour which creates feelings of unease, discomfort, offence, embarrassment, humiliation, or intimidation, whether intentional or not. This includes but is not limited to; transphobia, homo or biphobia, racism, ableism, sexism, or class discrimination. See our Safe Spaces statement for more information about YTAS’ commitments to safety and best practice.