Go Backstage | 2026

Over the last five months young people who are neurodiverse and/or disabled took part in a six week programme to explore the various career pathways within the theatre beyond acting…

In partnership with Back To The Future, each school took part in an introductory workshop (led by Go Live Facilitator and Director Jess McKenna), watched a performance of Back To The Future The Musical, returned to the Adlephi Theatre for a backstage tour and took part in three workshops led by backstage professionals, alongside Jess McKenna.

Go Live focussed on targeting SEND units in Mainstream Secondary schools as a direct response to a striking imbalance in the sector: disabled people make up 16% of the national workforce but Art Council research shows that roughly 5% of people working in theatre identify as disabled.

100% of teachers said they noticed an improvement in their students overall teamwork skills as a result of this project

80% of teachers said they noticed an improvement in their students confidence as a result of this project

80% of teachers noticed an increased interest in backstage careers as a result of this project

14% of students attended theatre for the first time with this programme.

86% of students said they would like to attend the theatre again.

As part of the Backstage Tour of Back To The Future The Musical at the Adlephi Theatre, students took part in…

• Introduction from the Company Stage Manager and Head of Lighting.
• Talk from backstage crew about how they got a job in backstage theatre.
• A demonstration of how the pyrotechnic effects work.
• A demonstration and explanation of the revolve.
• A walk on the stage to see the set and props up close – including seeing the Delorean up close.
• Tour and demonstration of sound desk.

Watch our video to join us on the backstage tour!

In the following weeks students took part in school workshops led by backstage professionals:

• Set & Costume Design with Constance Villemot –  Students understood how costume and set impacts a production, they then created their own model boxes and costumes.
• Lighting Design with Edd Knight or Will Alder – Students understood how lighting impacts a production, with an explanation of all the different types of lighting that you may see in a show. Students then took part in an interactive workshop where they created their own lighting design using torches on the model boxes they had made in the prior workshop.
• Stage Management with Bryony Relf –  Students were given an introduction to the role of the stage manager and difference between different stage management roles. Bryony brought props from Hercules the Musical (where she is currently ASM) and explained how props are created and fixed quickly by stage management teams. Students were then given an interactive activity where they were given a draft script and stage management cues to practice the stage management role.

Testimonials from the young people show a significant shift in their aspirations, with 93% thinking about what job they want in the future and 81% considering working in the creative industries:

“I loved all of it but I especially loved the set/costume design and the stage management workshops”

“I love the community and the work that goes on backstage and the props and costume”

“I enjoyed all the little tips and how many jobs are available”

“I enjoyed seeing how everything works”

Testimonials from the teachers suggest a clear and positive impact on students’ development, with 100% noticing an improvement in their students’ overall teamwork skills and 80% noticing increased confidence and an interest in backstage careers as a direct result of this project:

“All the way through, the pupils gained more confidence and interest. The different sessions gave different pupils different opportunities to show their strengths and develop their knowledge. […] The main stand out moment was right at the end when the pupils were able to put all their learning together and take stage directions. The pupils would not have been able to do this before the workshop, which showed real progress in many areas of their learning.”

“The workshops were delivered at the perfect level for the group of secondary KS3 SEN pupils taking part. The sessions were just long enough and interesting to the pupils. The professionals taking the sessions were engaging and able to draw on real life experiences which made it real to our pupils and that these are possible jobs for them in the future. It was great to have one key contact throughout the programme who the pupils could get to know and become familiar with. The programme had a real child friendly approach which really enabled the pupils to be themselves.”

“The Go Backstage programme gave my students valuable insight into theatre roles, helping them develop confidence, teamwork, and practical skills. What was particularly impressive was how accessible and inclusive the programme was for students with SEN; the team were thoughtful and adaptable, ensuring everyone felt supported and valued. Going backstage at a West End production was a real highlight. It was a highly positive experience for both students and staff, and I strongly recommend it to other schools.”

The Go Backstage programme has demonstrated a clear and positive impact across all participating schools, successfully meeting its core aims of increasing confidence, raising aspirations, and broadening awareness of careers in theatre. Teacher feedback highlights meaningful improvements in confidence and teamwork, particularly for students with SEND.

Huge thanks to, John Lyon’s Charity and Oliver Stanley Charitable Trust, for making this programme possible.

Donate today to help ensure every child, regardless of background, has the chance to experience the transformative power of live theatre and open doors for the next generation.

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 Video: Eleni Cashell