BLAST Youth Theatre
BLAST Youth Theatre is a fun, welcoming and inclusive theatre group for children (ages 8-12) who love to be creative, make new friends and build confidence. Working with professional theatre artists, young people explore drama, storytelling, movement and performance, developing their imagination and communication skills in a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to be themselves.
Join BLAST Youth Theatre
Free weekly youth theatre for creative young people in Southend-on-Sea and Basildon.
Build confidence, make friends, develop performance skills and create exciting theatre with professional artists in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Free places available from September 2026
BLAST Youth Theatre – Southend-on-Sea
Welcome To The UK Hub, Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-on-Sea
Mondays, 5.00pm–6.30pm (term time)
Starts: 14 September 2026
BLAST Youth Theatre – Basildon
Towngate Theatre, Basildon
Thursdays, 5.00pm–6.30pm (term time)
Starts: 17 September 2026
Places are free but must be booked in advance.
Register now to secure your child's place and join us for another exciting year of creativity, confidence-building and unforgettable performances!
About BLAST Youth Theatre
Elevator Arts launched BLAST Youth Theatre in autumn 2021 as a pilot project in partnership with Southend charity Welcome To The UK, which supports newly arrived immigrant families to adapt to life in the UK.
Designed for young people aged 8–12 who have English as an additional language (EAL), BLAST uses the power of theatre and creativity to build confidence, improve communication skills and support wellbeing in a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Through free weekly sessions led by professional theatre artists, participants explore drama, storytelling, movement and performance while developing their English language skills, making new friends and finding their creative voice. Young people work together to devise and perform original productions inspired by their own ideas, experiences and imaginations.
Since its launch, BLAST Youth Theatre has supported hundreds of children across Southend and Basildon, helping them grow in confidence, develop new skills and feel a stronger sense of belonging through creativity.
All BLAST Youth Theatre sessions are free to attend, ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the benefits of high-quality arts participation, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Behind the Scenes of Found
To celebrate our Found journey, we’ve created a special behind-the-scenes film featuring rehearsal moments, cast interviews, and insights from the creative team. It’s a chance to hear directly from our young performers about what Found meant to them — and to experience the teamwork, imagination, and energy that brought Archibald’s story to life.
“Taking part made me feel happy & very joyful. I have learnt confidence and taking part - expressing myself more through acting.”
— BLAST Youth Theatre member
“My son is less shy, more confident & developed his social skills.”
— Parent feedback
“My child has learnt lots about meeting peers from other cultures and countries.”
BLAST Youth Theatre 2025/26 Funders & Partners
Registered charity in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557)
BLAST Youth Theatre’s past funders
