Young Octagon
Young PeopleYoung Octagon is our performance company, developing excellence in young actors aged 16-25.
Young Octagon
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Young Octagon is our performance company for ambitious young actors aged 16-25 who are ready to take the next step in their creative development.
Designed for performers with some previous experience, Young Octagon offers the opportunity to work alongside professional theatre-makers, experience a rehearsal process modelled on professional theatre, and perform a full-scale production on the Octagon's main stage.
The programme provides a more intensive and rewarding experience than our regular youth theatre activity, giving participants first-hand insight into the commitment, collaboration and creativity involved in bringing a production to life.
Cost: £290, payable in 4 instalments of £72.50. We never want cost to be a barrier to participation. A limited number of Supported Places are available, offering partial or full funding for those experiencing financial hardship. You can request a Supported Place in your application form. See more details in our FAQ's below.
Applications for Young Octagon 2027 will open in October. If you would like to be contacted once applications for when our next cohort have opened then please complete the expression of interest form below.
FAQ's
What is the commitment?
Young Octagon is an eight-month commitment that includes weekly rehearsals and professional development sessions on Thursday evenings from 6pm-8pm at the Octagon Theatre. Some additional rehearsals will be scheduled outside of the regular weekly sessions.
Young Company members are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and to remain available for any additional sessions, most importantly production week. A full rehearsal calendar will be provided to those who are offered a place on the programme.
How much does it cost?
The total cost is £290 which can be paid in 4 x £72.50 instalments across the course of the programme from January to August 2027.
Do you provide supported places for those who cannot afford the full amount?
Yes. We want Young Octagon to be as accessible as possible and never want cost to be a barrier to participation.
As a charity, we work hard to keep fees affordable and offer flexible payment plans to help participants spread the cost.
Thanks to the generosity of our funders and supporters, we are able to offer financial assistance to those experiencing financial hardship. Supported Places can range from partial support to a fully funded place.
We are committed to building a company that reflects the diversity of our community and particularly welcome applications from people and communities that are currently underrepresented within our participation programmes, including those from Black, Asian and Global Majority backgrounds.
As the number of Supported Places is limited, support is offered subject to availability.
You will be able to request a Supported Place in your application form for Young Octagon.
Are there any technical or design roles?
Although we are looking to grow our offer in the future to include backstage roles (e.g. tech, costume, stage management), this is a performance opportunity for aspiring actors and performers.
What is the commitment?
Young Octagon is an eight-month commitment that includes weekly rehearsals and professional development sessions on Thursday evenings from 6pm-8pm at the Octagon Theatre. Some additional rehearsals will be scheduled outside of the regular weekly sessions.
Young Company members are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and to remain available for any additional sessions, most importantly production week. A full rehearsal calendar will be provided to those who are offered a place on the programme.
How much does it cost?
The total cost is £290 which can be paid in 4 x £72.50 instalments across the course of the programme from January to August 2027.
Do you provide supported places for those who cannot afford the full amount?
Yes. We want Young Octagon to be as accessible as possible and never want cost to be a barrier to participation.
As a charity, we work hard to keep fees affordable and offer flexible payment plans to help participants spread the cost.
Thanks to the generosity of our funders and supporters, we are able to offer financial assistance to those experiencing financial hardship. Supported Places can range from partial support to a fully funded place.
We are committed to building a company that reflects the diversity of our community and particularly welcome applications from people and communities that are currently underrepresented within our participation programmes, including those from Black, Asian and Global Majority backgrounds.
As the number of Supported Places is limited, support is offered subject to availability.
You will be able to request a Supported Place in your application form for Young Octagon.
Are there any technical or design roles?
Although we are looking to grow our offer in the future to include backstage roles (e.g. tech, costume, stage management), this is a performance opportunity for aspiring actors and performers.
