Join YTAS to discuss your top tips on getting young people into your youth theatre, signed up and (hopefully) staying with you year on year.
In order to run a successful youth theatre, you need… young people! What are your proven tips and tricks for continuous recruitment? What have you tried that hasn’t worked? This facilitated Knowledge Exchange will focus on sharing ideas about how you get young people through the door, signed up and (hopefully) staying with you year on year.
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
Knowledge Exchange: Pathways into the Industry, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Tue 30 September 2025
Knowledge Exchange: Pathways into the Industry, Creative Edinburgh, Tue 13 January 2026
Knowledge Exchange: Staff Support and Wellbeing, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Tue 27 January 2026
Knowledge Exchange: Staff Support and Wellbeing, online, Tue 24 February 2026
Knowledge Exchange: Good Recruitment Practices for Staff and Freelancers, online, Thu 10 March 2026
Knowledge Exchange: Youth Consultation and Boards, online, Wed 13 May 2026
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.