Arc Theatre worked with young people leaving care in Barking and Dagenham to explore ways to increase confidence, wellbeing and build relationships

Arc Theatre worked with young people leaving care aged 16-21 from London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to explore new ways to increase confidence and wellbeing, build relationships and share stories and experiences. Throughout the week, Arc introduced the group to a range of drama and performance skills, whilst creating opportunities to learn new skills in presenting, writing and film making. The group worked very hard to devise, develop and create a short film exploring themes and experiences based on the issues they care about. The week culminated in a celebration and presentation of the fantastic films made by the young people.

Arc Theatre

Natalie Smith, Executive Director joined Arc Theatre in 1992. Natalie both performs in and facilitates Forum Theatre and training workshops for adults and young people, and has spent much of the last four years leading Arc’s ground-breaking projects for girls at risk – Girls Have Their Say (funded by the Home Office CAGGK), Finding the Words and Raised Voices (both funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation). Most recently Natalie has devised, developed and facilitated Arc Broadcast programme, raising awareness about ‘sexting’ and cyberbullying.

Arc Theatre was founded in Founded in 1984, Arc specialises in creating and performing theatre that challenges assumptions and causes real change in the way that people relate to one another at work, at school and in the community. As a pioneering organisation we were instrumental in bringing the issue of racism in football to the forefront of public awareness.