Bush Young Companies

group of young people on stage practicing at Bush, the teacher is stood at the front facing the group.

We currently deliver two Young Companies with local young people.

Founded during the disruption of the pandemic, our Young Companies have become central to everything we do, reflecting our commitment to local life and developing the next generation of artists. Both Young Companies are free for young people.

The groups are for storytellers, particularly for people who might not know they are one yet. Workshops take place weekly at the Bush and provide opportunities to develop your skills with the Bush team, build your creative networks and work alongside experienced artists to make work for our stage.

Every summer the Bush Young Companies take over the Holloway Theatre to perform brand new productions, created with and for them.

Both Young Companies are led by our Associate Director, Katie Greenall.

Our 2025 – 2027 cohort is now full. 

Applications for the 2027 – 2029 cohort will open in Spring 2027. Please contact [email protected]    for further information about the Young Companies and to join the mailing list to be notified when applications open.

 

group of people on stage lit up purple, one person is stood closer to the front of the stage looking concerned.
‘This is a monumental but necessary evolution of our theatre. We are so inspired by their contribution and their artistry. This is just the beginning.’

– Daniel Bailey, Bush Theatre Associate Director

14-17 Bush Young Company

We deliver weekly theatre-making workshops which explore storytelling, acting for stage, creative writing, and different roles in the theatre industry.

The 14-17 Young Company have so far performed four shows on our main stage.

  • Back Up! (2021), created by the Company and Katie Greenall
  • HORIZON (2022), written by Kwame Owusu, directed by Abigail Sol
  • Pass It On (2023), created by the Company and Katie Greenall
  • The End (2024) written by Jasmin Mandi-Ghomi, directed by Neetu Singh
  • PAUSE/REWIND (2025) created by the Company and Jordi M. Carter, directed by Jordi M.Carter
14-17 Bush Young Company participants stood on stage wearing all cream outfits in front of a yellow backdrop.
18-25 Bush Young Company members on stage facing away from the camera with their hands in the air.

18-25 Bush Young Company

In 2023, we welcomed our second cohort of 18 – 25 year olds to our Bush Young Company. The Company created two incredible productions, performed on our main stage in the Holloway Theatre.

  • COMMUNION (2024) devised by the company with director Katie Greenall.
  • MAKE ME FEEL (2025) written by Will Jackson, directed by Katie Greenall.
A group of people in the Bush Theatre Young company performing a dance piece.

In 2021, we welcomed our first group of 18-25 year olds. The first ever 18-25 Bush Young Company created two incredible productions, performed on our main stage in the Holloway Theatre.

  • ANTHEM (2022) devised by the company with director Katie Greenall
  • As We Face The Sun (2023), written by Kit Withington and co-directed by Lynette Linton and Katie Greenall
“This is my first year at BYC and I have grown in self-confidence hugely. I have more trust in myself and my ideas and have also developed my skills. Everyone at Bush is so genuine and it really encourages me to be the best version of myself.”

– Tabby, BYC member

Bloom Bursary

Every two years, outgoing members of the 18-25 Bush Young Company are able to apply for our Bloom Bursary.

The Bloom Bursary is a £750 award, alongside mentorship from the Bush’s artistic team, for developing writers. It is part of the Bush’s ongoing commitment to their artistic development, and secures the legacy of the Young Companies.

2023 cohort: Maymuna Abdi, Sara Dawood, Maryam Garad, Kerrica Kendall, Jonny Khan and James Walsh
2025 cohort: Alfie O’Sullivan-Neill, Daud Xiddig, Yemi Yohannes, Dejuan Desiree, Natalia Choudhary, Josie Dixey Watson

The Bloom Bursary is made possible with generous funding from John Lyon’s Charity.

Meet the 2025 cohort

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