The Workshop Assistants’ Exchange is for assistants and early career practitioners between the ages of 16-24.   

Over the past six months, YTAS has hosted four events bringing assistants together to connect with each other, exchange skills, and reflect on the youth theatre sector’s needs. The Workshop Assistants’ Exchange at the National Convention of Youth Drama 2023 will take place in two parts:   

The Exchange: Skills Share (2-3pm)  

Led by artist Jo Sharp, investigate what it takes to be a good facilitator and exchange some tools and exercises that you find useful in your home youth theatre.   

What’s next? Discussion Group (3-4pm) 

Led by YTAS Youth Board member and practitioner Mhairi Gilmour, chat about your experiences in your youth theatres, your challenges and your desires for the future. Your thoughts and ideas will be used to help shape YTAS’s development goals and the next steps for the Workshop Assistant’s Forum.   

Why are we doing this?   

Many youth theatres across Scotland have paid or volunteer young leaders acting as workshop assistants or advocates to support their work – just like you! We know that you have a unique insight into the current challenges and benefits of youth theatre, as you are both current participants and junior leaders. We want to give you a stronger collective voice in the development of your groups and help you to connect with other young people in similar roles across the country.   

I haven’t attended before, is it ok for me to come along?   

The more the merrier! No prior engagement with the project is required. YTAS is aiming to build a wide network of assistants from across Scotland and so we are actively encouraging new members to join us.   

How do I sign up?   

If you want to join the Workshop Assistants’ Exchange at the National Convention of Youth Drama, you can sign up by selecting a ‘Workshop Assistant’ ticket at the point of booking.

Though the Exchange workshops will take place in the afternoon, we encourage assistants to join the full day as a chance to meet other youth theatres and hear what’s happening across Scotland.  Tea, coffee and lunch is included!