The Kenton gains Arts Award Centre status

Young people joining Kenton Youth this September will have the opportunity to work towards nationally recognised Arts Award qualifications, after The Kenton Theatre was officially registered as an Arts Award Centre.

Managed by Trinity College London in association with Arts Council England, Arts Award supports young people to explore creativity, build confidence, develop new skills and celebrate their progress. Through Kenton Youth, students aged 9 to 16 will initially be able to work towards Explore or Bronze Arts Award as part of The Kenton’s new inclusive theatre education programme.

Lottie Pheasant, Theatre Manager at The Kenton, said:

“Creativity is at the heart of everything we do, and Arts Award helps shine a light on how we work with young people.

“Through Kenton Youth, students will access a personalised and inspiring journey that can transform their artistic interests into real-world opportunities. Arts Award gives them a framework to track their development, recognise their achievements and celebrate what they have created.

“Importantly, the evidence involved is not based simply on literacy and numeracy, but on different forms of creative and practical evidencing. Whether working towards Explore or Bronze level, students will be supported to develop creative, technical and leadership skills that go far beyond the sessions.

“For us, Arts Award is creativity that leads somewhere. Students leave with more than a certificate: they leave with a strong portfolio, a clearer sense of their strengths and the confidence to take their next steps, whether that is into college, industry or a creative career.”

Kenton Youth will give young people the chance to experience theatre in its broadest sense, from stage management, lighting and sound to storytelling, scriptwriting, props, scenery, make-up and costume design, as well as acting, singing and movement on the stage of a professional working theatre.

Sessions will be delivered by experienced practitioners, bringing specialist knowledge and real-world theatre skills into the programme. This practitioner-led approach is central to what makes Kenton Youth distinctive, giving students direct access to facilitators with creative, technical and professional expertise.

The programme will also include a West End professional masterclass, a summer showcase performance and awards ceremony, plus opportunities to participate in key community events including Kenton Carols, the Henley Youth Festival and the Henley Drama Festival.

Kenton Youth launches in September 2026 and is open to young people aged 9 to 16 of all abilities and experience levels. The programme is designed to grow and develop over time, with a view to accepting 17 and 18 year olds in year two. Spaces are limited and bursaries are available.

Find out more and register at: https://thekenton.org.uk/kenton-youth-arts-award/