Young people are being given the opportunity to have their say at The Roses Theatre’s Open Space Event, a forum to discuss how the theatre can engage more 14 – 25 year olds

The Rose’s Theatre in Tewkesbury is directly consulting the general public about how best to extend its young audience, opening the floor to young community members for discussions about how the theatre can make effective changes as part of its long-standing commitment to improvement and development for young people.

The friendly, free event will run between 1pm – 4pm on Monday February 17, during half term, and although aimed at people aged 14 – 25, everybody is welcome.

The Open Space Event is the work of YOccupy, The Roses’ group of resident young programmers who act as a steering group, influencing programming decisions across all areas of the organisation. Aged between 14 – 21, YOccupy meet on a weekly basis, working with The Roses’ Heads of Department to plan, coordinate and deliver a series of events throughout the year, receiving comprehensive training in all areas of professional arts administration throughout the process.

The young programmers have organised a photography exhibition, Exposure, to run alongside the Open Space Event, inviting photographers from across the county to showcase their work. Local photographers, each with their own subject matter, will exhibit their photographs at The Roses between Monday February 17 – 24 during theatre opening hours.

These are the latest additions to YOccupy’s diverse event portfolio having previously organised events such as T-Fest and Screamathon. T-Fest, a three day festival, featured local British music, independent films and workshops that helped train participants with new skills in film making, while Screamathon brought together three classic horror films with a fun night of traditional Halloween games and treats.

By starting conversation, encouraging discussion and organising exciting new events, The Rose’s hopes to show itself to be an outward looking, innovative and inclusive centre for the arts, welcoming audiences and participants of all ages from across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and beyond.