Masterclasses

Case Study: Summer Masterclasses for Young People 

Our Summer Masterclass series sees Theatre by the Lake host 60 young people aged between 12 and 18 for 15 days of imagination and creativity. 

Young people from across Cumbria, and those visiting the area explore all things theatre, from street performance and circus skills to storytelling, puppetry, devising and outdoor theatre. 

Thanks to funders and our supporter, we were able to offer spaces free of charge to young people from low-income families or those facing barriers to accessing the arts.  

This ensures that cost was never a barrier to creativity, allowing more young people than ever to take part, learn new skills, and discover the joy of performance. 

The Impact 

Our masterclasses don’t just build theatre skills, they build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. For many young participants, it is their first time performing publicly or working with professional theatre companies. The buzz of excitement at each final performance is contagious for both the young people and audiences alike.