Minack Theatre Supports Young People Across Cornwall Through Taking Part Programme

Everyone knows the Minack Theatre as a world-famous cliffside attraction and performance venue, but behind the scenes, it is also investing heavily in young people across Cornwall.

Through its Taking Part programme, the theatre has spent the past 10 years creating creative arts opportunities for thousands of children and teenagers, particularly focusing on under-served and disadvantaged communities.

Making Performing Arts Accessible

John Brolly, Associate Director of the Minack Theatre, explained:

“We believe the performing arts should be accessible to all, and our aim is to give every child in Cornwall the opportunity to engage with the performing arts and express themselves creatively. Our Taking Part programme goes beyond traditional theatre education – we’re actively working to break down barriers and bring creative opportunities directly to those who need them most.”

Working With Schools

The Minack works closely with schools in West Cornwall, delivering free or low-cost workshops, projects and mini-festivals. Students take part in Shakespeare explorations that end with performances on the Minack stage, as well as an annual combined schools musical project involving hundreds of pupils.

Training for a Future in the Arts

The theatre’s Academies give young people professional-level training in acting, musical theatre and technical skills. Alongside practical workshops, students hear from theatre professionals about what it takes to work in the industry.

Bringing Opportunities Into the Community

Not everyone can get to the Minack easily, so some of the programmes are delivered in the community.

• Rising Stars: A free youth theatre for 8 to 16 year olds based in Penzance. It stages a yearly musical theatre production in the town and currently has 100 members. This summer, the group travelled to Plymouth to see Hamilton — for some, it was their first major theatre experience. The trip was free to participants, supported by Chris Nicholls Ltd of Penzance.

• Crabwalkers: A therapeutic arts group for children aged 9 to 13 and their families who have been affected by trauma and loss. Run by trauma-informed specialists, the programme is said to be delivering life-changing outcomes.

• Partnership Work: The Minack partners with groups such as The Centre in Newlyn and Trelya to deliver workshops targeting young people from deprived areas. It also works with organisations including Cornwall Music Services Trust, The Writers’ Block, British Theatre Academy, MADE and Arthur’s Club to widen its reach.

Opening Doors Through Creativity

John added:

“These programmes represent more than arts education – they’re about building confidence, creating opportunities, and showing young people from all backgrounds that they have a place in the creative industries. When a child from a disadvantaged background performs on our stage or experiences professional theatre for the first time, we’re opening doors that might otherwise never be unlocked.”

Funded by Visitors

Unlike many arts organisations, the Minack receives no grant or external funding. All of its Taking Part activities are funded through income generated by tourism and theatre productions.

For more information about the Minack Theatre’s Taking Part programme, visit minack.com or contact education@minack.com