Actors 14-17 - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres

Create, play and perform

Recruitment for YEP Class of 2026 has now closed.
Recruitment for Class of 2027 will open in autumn 2026.

If you’re aged 14-17 with an interest in creating theatre and performing, this group meet weekly on Thursdays from 5pm-7pm.

Sessions will help you learn skills that can contribute to a future career in the performing arts or simply build confidence and self-esteem.

This activity is free and no previous experience is needed!

Here's all you need to know

What will I be doing?

YEP Actors 14-17 will include the following:
•    Performance skills and techniques.
•    The process of theatre making.
•    Working collaboratively.
•    Developing confidence, resilience and social skills.
•    Increasing aspiration.
•    Opportunity to perform.
•    Theatre masterclasses.
•    Mentoring.
•    Exploring creative opportunities.
•    Going on trips and seeing theatre.
•    Meeting other young people and networking to build your own community and connections.
•    Engagement with the creative process of at least one professional production.

The group size is up to 20 people.

You should be

•    Aged 14-17.
•    Living in Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral).
•    Creative.
•    Imaginative.
•    Open to ideas.
•    Expressive.
•    Willing to learn, play and make mistakes.

You could be

•    Interested in a career in the creative industry.
•    Disengaged from education.
•    Limited by opportunities in the arts.
•    On an Education, Health and Care plan.
•    A young carer.
•    In care.
•    D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.
•    Global Majority.
•    LGBTQIA+.

You would like to:

•    Meet new friends.
•    Be creative in a new space.
•    Work on performance skills as an actor.
•    Take part in a play/devised show.
•    Have somewhere to be safe and not judged.
•    Build a network of creative people like you.

Who runs YEP Actors 14-17?

Our outstanding team of freelancers are professional theatre makers and experienced in making work with young people. A dedicated practitioner will run YEP Actors 14-17 and there’ll be masterclasses with visiting professionals working in the industry too. You will work with a professional director on your final performance.

Our Young People’s Advocate will provide support throughout and can give guidance on submitting your application, setting personal goals and deciding on your next steps at the end of your programme. There will also be support from our Young People & Community Producer, as well as other creatives in our building.

What dates do I need to know?

YEP Actors 14-17 is Thu 15 Jan 2026 until Sat 5 Sep 2026.

YEP induction Sat 24 Jan 2026, 2-6pm.

Weekly sessions Thursdays, 5-7pm from 15 Jan 2026 – you should be able to attend every week unless there is a reason that you can’t.

Intensive rehearsals w.c. 24 Aug 2026.
Technical rehearsals and performances 2-5 Sep 2026.

There will also be some rehearsals during school holidays, we will share these details with you in advance.

You must be able to attend these dates to apply, if you are unsure, please get in touch with us.

How do I sign up?

I know a young person – how can I sign them up?

We work with referral partners to ensure that we are reaching the people who will benefit most from our creative training. If you are a professional working with young people, please drop us an email on yep@everymanplayhouse.com to find out how you can refer a young person into YEP.

The memories I have here I will cherish forever! The best 5 years of my life was spent with YEP. Super talented, creative and always pushing the boundaries!

Daniel Fitzgerald, YEP Actor graduate

Interested in theatre, but want to know more about different roles behind the scenes?

Check out YEP Technicians 14-17.

Photograph at top of page: YEP Actors in Snow Dragons (2025) by Andrew AB Photography