BUZZ Network Launch

OPENING SESSION What is the BUZZ Network? Why are we hosting these events and why is international collaboration and development so important for the sector? Join the BUZZ Network partners to introduce the project, upcoming events and find out what’s in store as we kick off three days of discussion and collaboration.

DISCUSSION Join theatre directors and critics from across Europe for a discussion exploring what makes an outstanding youth theatre performance. How does the context in which we work in youth theatre impact what we see on the stage? What themes and artistic impulses do we see reflected in contemporary youth theatre productions? How have these changed and developed since the pandemic? What do we need more of to ensure that we are continuing to evolve and challenge ourselves and our practice?

WORKSHOP A quick-fire, facilitated and fun networking session open to youth theatre artists and leaders from across Europe.   This event will allow participants and the BUZZ partners to connect together, take a look at the situation in other countries and ignite a spark towards future international collaboration.  This session will be open to anyone, of any level of experience. 

**PERFORMANCE SCREENING **Twelve young people face the facts of their own puberty, conquer shame, and break down taboos in this honest and hilarious performance from Theatre Bremen Junge Akteure.     Like a Virgin: Ein Schmusical is a spectacle, a discourse-musical, and a celebration of dealing with puberty while questioning convention. With a soundtrack that promises to get you singing along!     Originally filmed on stage at Theater Bremen for Theatertreffen der Jugend in 2021. 

Watch Party screenings will present a curated programme of youth theatre performances followed by a post-show discussion where we will reflect on the work with the performing companies. 

DISCUSSION. Hear from a range of organisations and artists who work with children and young people in a co-creative and participatory way. How has their practice changed during the pandemic? How do they see it developing in the future? And why is this work so vital?

Speakers include:  

• Amber Goethals • Freelance Artist (Belgium)  
• Jess Thorpe • Co-Artistic Director • Glass Performance / Polmont Youth Theatre (Scotland) 
• Nuna Sandy • Associate Director • Company Three (England) 

  Hosted by Geert Vandyck • Studio BRONKS Coordinator • BRONKS (Belgium) 

Workshop This facilitated session will provide an opportunity for youth theatre leaders and managers at different stages of their careers to explore what they need to inform and inspire their work.   What are the similarities and differences across different countries?

From grassroots collaboration to policy impact, we will use the ‘hive mind’ to explore how we can work together to create the best circumstances for the sector to support each other and the young people we work with. This session will be open to anyone, of any level of experience.  

**PERFORMANCE SCREENING **This Watch Party will showcase a series of performance extracts from three youth theatre companies from across Europe.   Each performance will be followed by a post-show discussion where we will find out more about the performing companies, their work with young people and their future plans. 

DISCUSSION Representing the voices of all young people is vital to building strong communities and a more representative theatre industry and society. This discussion will reflect on a range of organisations and artists working with diverse youth communities to produce innovative artworks and projects. It will also explore how you can adapt your work to ensure it is as inclusive as possible, what has gone well, and where the sector needs to improve. 

Speakers include:  

• Morna McGeoch • Birds of Paradise Young Artists (Scotland)  
• Bassam Ghazi • Director • Import/Export Collective, Köln & Bürgerbühne, Düsseldorf (Germany)  
• Barry Morgan • Mosney Youth Theatre (Ireland)  

Hosted by Harriet Mould • EDI Officer • Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh (Scotland) 

CLOSING SESSION An opportunity to hear more about the plans and activities of the BUZZ Network. Find out how you can get more involved, share your work in a new youth theatre mapping project or participate in future Lab events scheduled for 2022/2023.  Join us on Zoom for a conversation hosted by the BUZZ network partners, and celebrate the finale of our BUZZ Network Launch.