Curtain up on a new chapter for Somerset Youth Theatre

There’s exciting news from one of our Somerset Youth Alliance members. Somerset Youth Theatre (SYT) has moved into a new home at Bridgwater Arts Centre — creating fresh opportunities for children and young people across Somerset to connect, create and thrive.

As proud members of the Somerset Youth Alliance (SYA), SYT use theatre and creativity as a vehicle for positive change for young people aged 6–25. Young people’s voices are at the heart of everything they do — shaping sessions, influencing decisions and driving a shared vision of a world where all young people’s voices matter.

This move marks more than a change of address. It reflects a shared commitment to creating spaces that feel welcoming, accessible and truly youth-centred. Working in partnership with Bridgwater Town Council and the team at Bridgwater Arts Centre, SYT are building a space where young people can feel a sense of belonging — somewhere they can walk in, feel at home and imagine what might be possible.

From Easter, SYT are expanding their offer from their new base. This includes Pathways — supporting young people who face barriers to accessing creative careers with routes into employability in the arts; brand-new weekly youth theatre sessions full of drama, games and collaborative play-making; Alternative Provision for young people who benefit from learning outside mainstream education; and HAF (Happy Healthy Holidays) activities, providing free, creative holiday sessions with food included to keep young people inspired and connected.

Selina Keedwell, Creative Director at SYT, explains why partnership and place matter so much:

“We believe ALL young people have the right to thrive in spaces that feel safer – spaces that feel like theirs, with a community that enables them to create and explore. If we want equity and equality, partnerships like these are vital. Doing things differently together provides wonderful opportunities for learning, skill sharing and growth.”

She also shares a longer-term ambition for Somerset — more spaces on young people’s doorsteps where they feel confident in who they are and excited about what they could make, build or become.

Early career artist Mhairi has captured SYT’s journey to Bridgwater Arts Centre on film, celebrating the creativity, confidence and fresh opportunities emerging across Somerset’s youth sector.

This move shows what’s possible when organisations work together around a shared belief: that young people deserve spaces that are brave, inclusive and full of possibility.