York Theatre Royal announces the launch of Main Stage Summer for August 2026. A new youth theatre summer holiday offering, Main Stage Summer will provide young people aged eight to nineteen the opportunity to experience the magic of performing and getting involved behind the scenes on a York Theatre Royal Main House production.
The courses on offer will see young people collaborate with York Theatre Royal’s professional theatre makers to co-create a very special show for the Main House stage – offering a guaranteed summer to remember.
Main Stage Summer is a perfect way for young people to spend their summer whether they enjoy being in the spotlight, are curious about what happens behind the scenes or are just looking for a fun and creative way to spend the holidays.
Throughout the course of the programme young people will learn exciting new skills, build confidence and make friends before sharing their work with family, friends and York Theatre Royal audiences. Details of the Summer 2026 Main House production will be announced very soon!
Sophie Jade Howell, Head of Youth Theatre at York Theatre Royal said,
“I’m so excited to announce Main Stage Summer. Our youth theatres are heading back onto the York Theatre Royal Main House stage for the first time since 2019 and, for me, that’s the start of a new era for YTR Youth Theatre.
Our Youth Theatre Forum discussed, debated and voted – and for the summer 2026 production they have chosen something for people of all ages, all abilities and all interests. Details on this will be announced very soon! It feels like a really exciting time in our creative engagement department. I love making work with young people. They are the future of our industry, and I can’t wait to see them take over our stage next summer.”
There are three different options for Main Stage Summer – to get involved as part of the cast for the 2026 summer production there is a 2-week course for 8-12 year olds and a 3-week course for 11-18 year olds. A 2-week course for those who wish to get involved backstage is also available.
Ages 8–12: 2-Week Course
Join the cast of the Youth Theatre Summer production and take to the stage in this exciting 2-week course.
Dates:
Week 1: Monday 24 August – Friday 28 August 2026 10.00am-4.30pm
Week 2: Tuesday 1 September – Saturday 5 September 2026 -10.00am-6.00pm (Only on Monday-Wednesday)
Times: 10:00am – 4:30pm daily
Ages 11–19: 3-Week Course
Join the cast of the Youth Theatre Summer production and take to the stage in this exciting 3-week course.
Dates:
Week 1: Monday 17 August – Friday 21 August 2026 10:00am – 4:30pm
Week 2: Monday 24 August – Friday 28 August 2026 10.00am-4.30pm
Week 3: Tuesday 1 September – Saturday 5 September 2026 -10.00am-6.00pm (Only on Monday-Wednesday)
Backstage: 2-Week Course
Join the crew bringing to life the Youth Theatre Summer 2026 production and learn about everything backstage in this exciting 2-week course.
Dates:
Week 1: Monday 24 August – Friday 28 August 2026 10.00am-4.30pm
Week 2: Tuesday 1 September – Saturday 5 September 2026 -10.00am-6.00pm (Only on Monday-Wednesday)
Times: 10:00am – 4:30pm daily
Priority Booking for current York Theatre Youth Theatre members opens on 26 August at 1pm.
General sale opens on 19 September at 1pm.
You might also be interested in...
