Playing Up

Playing Up is a practical ten-month part-time drama training programme, offering young people aged 19 – 25* who are not in Education Employment or Training (NEET) the opportunity to gain a Level 3 qualification in drama. It is a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Theatre Arts accredited through OCN London delivered in partnership with United Colleges Group

Priority for places is given to those who are not in education, secure employment or training, or those who have missed out on gaining level 3 qualifications.

We welcome applications from care leavers and those whose challenging circumstances may have prevented them from completing Secondary School or FE education. We welcome applications from those with access and support needs, those who are refugees or asylum seekers with the right to study in the UK and those who are underrepresented in our industry including those who identify as neurodivergent, disabled or from the Global Majority.

The course offers access to creative industry professionals, high levels of pastoral support and has a strong focus on progression routes for learners on completion.

We support with applications for universities and drama schools and many of our past students have gone on to great places, including Rose Bruford, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, RADA, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Roehampton University, Oxford School of Drama, Mountview, LAMDA, Arts Ed, East 15, UAL and Exeter University.

Following this unique 10-month programme Playing Up students become NYT members. Many graduates go on to pursue a career in theatre and continue their training either in drama school, university or with the NYT REP Company; as well as going on to gain employment. Our graduates have gone to gain employment at A New Direction, Lewisham Youth Theatre, The Old Vic Theatre, Icarus Theatre Collective, Roundhouse, Hammersmith Lyric, Netflix, Arsenal Football Club, Royal Court Theatre, BBC, Royal Shakespeare Company and many more