top of page

🎭 OUR INITIATIVES

​

Empowering young people through creativity, craftsmanship, and real backstage skills.

Backstage Builders delivers creative programmes that open doors into backstage theatre, film, and live events. Our initiatives build confidence, develop practical skills, and create real pathways into the creative industries — particularly for young people who face barriers to access.

​

🎨 Backstage Workshops

​

Hands-on workshops introducing young people to the core skills of backstage theatre, film, and live events.

We offer:

  • 🎨 Scenic painting

  • 🧰 Prop-making

  • 🏗️ Set design

  • ✨ Special effects & edible props

  • ♻️ Sustainable making using recycled materials

Workshops can be delivered in schools, youth settings, theatres, and community venues, and are tailored to the needs, age range, and abilities of each group.

 

🚀 Careers Pathways

​

We introduce young people to the wide range of backstage careers they may never have heard of — including scenic artists, set builders, prop makers, art department assistants, set dressers, and more.

​

Our Careers Pathways offer includes:

  • 🎤 Creative careers talks

  • 🗂️ Portfolio development

  • 🎓 Progression routes into further education, apprenticeships, and industry

  • 👩‍🎨 Meet-the-maker sessions

  • 🤝 Mentoring and guidance

We help young people see a real, achievable future for themselves in the creative industries.

​

🧳 Pop-Up Labs

​

Mobile creative workshops that bring backstage skills directly into communities, particularly those with limited resources or access.

Pop-Up Labs allow us to reach:

  • 🌾 Rural communities

  • 🏫 Underfunded schools

  • ♿ SEND groups

  • 🔄 NEET young people

  • 👥 Youth organisations

These sessions remove barriers and ensure creativity is accessible everywhere.

​

🔧 Makers Futures Programme

​

A structured skills development programme designed to support young people across multiple sessions.

Participants work with professional artists to:

  • 🛠️ Build practical backstage skills

  • 💪 Gain confidence and independence

  • 🎬 Work on real creative projects

  • 📁 Produce portfolio-ready work

The programme culminates in a celebratory showcase 🎉 highlighting young people’s achievements.

​

🧰 Tool Lending Library (Coming Soon)

​

A community resource allowing young people, schools, freelancers, and organisations to borrow scenic tools for creative projects at low or no cost.

The library promotes:

  • ♻️ Sustainability

  • 🧠 Skill development

  • ⚖️ Reduced creative inequality

  • 🤝 Shared community resources

  • ​

🎨 Scenic Paint Library (Coming Soon)

​

A unique initiative offering access to professional scenic paints and textures that are often too expensive for youth and community settings.

The library will support:

  • 🎭 School productions

  • 🏛️ Community theatre

  • 🖌️ Youth art projects

  • 🎬 Freelance scenic artists

This ensures budget is never a barrier to creative ambition.

 

🤝 Collaborations & Co-Delivery

​

We collaborate with theatres, arts centres, language schools, festivals, colleges, and youth groups to create bespoke creative experiences.

Our partnerships include:

  • 🏫 Local schools across Gateshead, Sunderland, Newcastle, and Middlesbrough

  • 🌍 Community language schools

  • 🎭 Youth theatres and creative charities

We co-design sessions based on the needs and ambitions of each partner.

​

🎨 Freelance Artist Development

​

Supporting local creative workers through:

  • 💼 Paid workshop delivery

  • 📢 Opportunities to pass on industry knowledge

  • 📚 Training and CPD sessions

  • 🤍 Ethical pay and supportive working environments

We empower artists as they empower young people.

​

🌱 Sustainable Creativity Initiative

​

We champion low-cost, eco-conscious scenic and prop-making techniques through:

  • ♻️ Recycled materials

  • 🧵 Second-hand textiles

  • 🚯 Waste-minimising practices

  • 🔁 Upcycling and creative reuse

This makes creativity greener, cheaper, and more accessible.

bottom of page