Garek Theatre Camp | Two-Week Programme 2026

Our low-cost and inclusive theatre camp, returned this summer at The Other Palace!

Following our one-week programme, from 10 August to 21 August, young people aged 13 to 17 joined us from across London for two-weeks of drama – creating their own original piece of theatre to share with family and friends.

Throughout the two-week programme, the young people participated in drama workshops led by Facilitator Paul Andrew, Dance workshops with Georgie Mziu, Music with Ben McQuigg and Eleanor Cozens, Backstage Careers with Ros Chase, plus a trip to the theatre to watch Hadestown!

While the primary goal of Garek Theatre Camp is to develop performing arts skills and knowledge, the project also aims to build confidence, communication and collaboration in a supported environment. By the end of the camp 84% of young people felt confident talking in front of a group and sharing ideas and 92% felt positive working in a team and confident performing.

Watch our video to get a glimpse at the fun and hard work of the full three weeks:

We asked the parents/carers of the young people to share how the camp impacted their young person:

100% noticed an improvement in their young person’s confidence

90% said their young person has an interest in continuing with the performing arts following the camp

80% noticed an improvement of the emotional wellbeing of their young person

Parents shared some lovely testimonials:

“We really appreciate all the investment of time and energy to make the camp so positive, the excellent communication of how it would all run (brilliant info document shared beforehand) and the positive relationships between adults and young people, and the teens themselves, that were encouraged through the week.”

“The forethought that went into planning and the organisation of the two weeks was absolutely brilliant. […] My daughter had a ball for the couple of weeks and learnt so much. She has decided to do a GCSE in Drama, and I am over the moon with her decision, as she was in two minds before the theatre camp. Thank you so much for instilling the confidence in her that she can pursue a GCSE in Drama.”

“[Young Person] enjoyed all aspects of the theatre camp and said that he felt able to fully be himself – which is great as he often has to ‘mask’ in social situations. Theatre camp has been thoroughly enjoyable for [Young Person]. He said it was fun, well structured and organised and that the staff and other children made it a memorable two weeks.”

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make our summer camp a reality for the young people.

A very special thank you goes to The Garek Trust. Their incredible generosity and support were essential in making this exciting camp possible.

A big shout out to all the team mentioned above, plus our incredible assistant facilitators Katherine Sharp, and Leanne Henlon, our Youth Forum Member Erin Kelly and volunteers George Flynn, Luisa Gomes and Stella Fleetwood.

Finally, thank you to The Other Palace for their incredible support and hospitality in hosting our camp at their studio.

To learn more about how you can support our work or to explore partnership opportunities, get in touch using the form below.