Behind every spotlight moment is a team. For young people involved in theatre, learning to collaborate is as valuable as learning lines. Data from the National Foundation for Educational Research shows that arts engagement improves teamwork and resilience — skills employers rate highly.
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00:00So we're doing our house, we're doing a run-through of our house, so we're a week away from the show, so all hands on deck to get it.
00:08Confidence is one of the most important traits we hope young people will develop, and for many, the arts can be a catalyst.
00:16According to a report by the Cultural Learning Alliance, young people who take part in arts activities are twice as likely to report high levels of self-esteem.
00:27In Bristol, rehearsals are underway for our house, the Madness Musical, a high-energy story about choices and identity.
00:36And, while it's just a musical on the surface, it's also a place where teenagers are growing into themselves.
00:43So I'm currently in midway through my GCSEs, and this has been such a great escape from revision.
00:49It's been a good few hours of content, it's fun, it's energizing, and it's just been such a fun time.
00:54It's a daunting experience, but for many young people, it's also transformative.
00:59A study by Arts Council England found that participation in theatre builds verbal confidence and communication skills.
01:07That matters not just for performers, but for future job interviews, presentations, and even friendships.
01:15It's 100%, yeah.
01:16So, like, I joined when I was 12, I'm 14 now, and I, you know, was small and just a bit shy, but now, you know, I'm confident and more confident anyway, yeah.
01:27Well, I think especially since we've just had our exams for end of year, it's just such, like, a way to cool off and have fun and relax and spend time with friends,
01:34but still doing something amazing and fun, like acting and performing on this musical.
01:38It's really good. I love it.
01:40It's, like, a youth company with theatre people, and it's all about the community and the kids who are here,
01:47and it's really wonderful, the adults, too.
01:50So, yes, love it.
01:52For young people involved in theatre, learning to collaborate is as valuable as learning lines.
01:57Data from the National Foundation for Educational Research shows that arts engagement improves teamwork and resilience,
02:06skills employers rate highly.
02:08I've learned through doing Bayles Youth is to be just not sorry for anything, just be yourself, be confident,
02:15and as, like, Will and people always tell us, be strong and wrong.
02:18I think it builds a lot of confidence, and I think what I think the most important thing for me joining was that I built a lot of friendships,
02:23because I was having a rough time socially before I joined, and I've made, like, amazing lifelong breads here
02:28and some of the closest bonds I've had in my whole life.
02:29Yeah, well, I've learned to, sort of, be confident and be able to, sort of, like, express myself through, sort of, like, theatre.
02:39And tell me a little.
02:40It's honestly amazing. Words cannot describe it.
02:43Every Monday, every Sunday, it's the only thing I look forward to.
02:46I'm doing GCSEs at the moment, and it's what keeps me going, 100%,
02:51because you know you need that balance with school and with work.
02:55You need something that you enjoy, and this has been it for me.
02:58It's been so, so good.