OT 18-25 Young Company: 2026 and beyond
We will, however, be running two performance projects suitable for 18-25 year olds in 2026. Applications for the first project are now closed (see below for details), but more information for the second will be released later in the year.
To be on the mailing list for opportunities for 18-25 year olds, please email community@orangetreetheatre.co.uk, specifying which mailing list you would like to be on.
What is the OT 18-25 Young Company?
The group is an ensemble for people aged 18 to 25 to begin or further their skillset in the performing arts. It nurtures individual voices and skills within the Company whilst participants work collaboratively with like-minded people.
The OT 18-25 Young Company are forming once again in 2026 to perform as part of our Richmond Myths Festival.
Richmond Myths is a weekend-long festival co-produced by the Orange Tree Theatre and Richmond Council, celebrating culture and creativity in Richmond. For three days, the town centre will be taken over by myths and monsters, fates and fiends, gods and heroes, with performances happening across the town.
Who is it for?
The Company is open to those aged 18 to 25 who have had some performing experience but have not had significant training (e.g. a BA/MA from a drama school). Maybe you’re a very experienced performer or maybe this is an early opportunity for you – that’s ok. Most importantly, you are ambitious for the company and thrive in a creative, playful rehearsal room.
Previous 18-25 Young Company projects:
2026
The 2026 Young Company are performing a piece written by Alexandra Wood and directed by Jess Haygarth as a part of Richmond Myths. It will take place be in the middle of Richmond high street. It will be a fun, colourful, outlandish piece of street theatre introducing the twelve Olympian gods.
2025
The 2025 Young Company formed for a ten-month period, which spanned three projects:
- Spring showcase (March-April): A five-week masterclass on working with text and building character for performance, led by OT Resident Assistant Director Rosie Tricks and culminating in a sharing of scenes in the Orange Tree Theatre.
- Devised piece (April-July): Directed by OT Associate Jess Haygarth, the company will create an original piece of theatre in response to Poor Clare, performed at the OT in July 2025.
- Alice in Wonderland (September-December): The Young Company presented the OT’s family Christmas show, in a new version of the classic story by Chinonyerem Odimba, for a week-long run at the OT.
2024
Reviews for the 2024 Young Company’s Treasure Island:
“A company of polished actors across the board, full of exuberance, pace, mischief and fun. It is an extraordinary achievement.” **** The Guardian
“Radiated energy and vigour” Twickenham Nub News
“An outstanding way of launching young actors” Fringe Review
The Orange Tree Young Company is generously supported by Noel Coward Foundation and Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust.