Beyond the Stage
ATG Entertainment Creative Learning
Introduction
Hollie Coxon Group Head of Creative Learning
When we open the doors to live entertainment, we do more than invite the next generation in –we ignite their passion, fuel their creativity, and shape the future. Our Creative Learning mission is rooted in community through a locally focused approach driven by a global vision; we’re proud to be building a legacy that inspires the future of live entertainment, that educates, and that uplifts the world around us.
Ted Stimpson CEO ATG Entertainment
Our Creative Learning department is a huge source of pride for ATG Entertainment employees across the world. Our dedicated Creative Learning teams deliver inspiring outreach activity with and for their local communities, and bring together colleagues from venues and offices alike in support of outstanding local, national and international collaborative initiatives, including the annual awarenessraising World Theatre Day campaign, all of which I am immensely proud to stand behind.
Glasgow Go Dance 25 .
Photo by Studio Snap
Who We Are
ATG Entertainment is an international venue operator, producer, marketing partner and ticketing services provider.
Creative Learning is an important part of ATG Entertainment’s commitment to nurturing the future – engaging and empowering people of all abilities, ages, genders, races and socio-economic backgrounds, in schools and our local communities, with the aim of increasing access to the performing arts.
The work we do offers a valuable resource in the world of cultural education. We celebrate all that our venues and the world of entertainment have to offer, inspiring a diverse future workforce, audience, and creative global community.
Operating on a local, national and international scale, Creative Learning continues to expand its network and impact, forging meaningful partnerships across the UK, US and Europe, delivering award-winning, locally driven community and educational engagement with international significance.
‘Our young people had the most amazing time and an experience which will last them a lifetime.’ Youth group leader
Photo by Bo Borthwick
Where We Are
UK Venues
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Birmingham The Alexandra Theatre
Brighton Theatre Royal
Bristol Hippodrome
Edinburgh Playhouse
Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall
Glasgow King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal
Liverpool Empire Theatre
London West End 10 venues
Manchester Opera House and Palace Theatre
Milton Keynes Theatre
Oxford New Theatre
Richmond Theatre
Stockton Globe
Stoke-on-Trent Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall
Swansea Arena
Sunderland Empire
Torquay Princess Theatre
New Wimbledon Theatre and Studio
Woking New Victoria Theatre
York Grand Opera House
US
Venues
Brooklyn Kings Theatre
Boston Emerson Colonial Theatre
Detroit Fisher Theatre
New Orleans Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts and Saenger Theatre
New York Broadway 7 venues
San Antonio Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, The Espee and Majestic Theatre
San Francisco Curran Theatre, Golden Gate Theatre and The Orpheum Theatre
Sugar Land Smart Financial Centre
Continental Europe
Berlin Admiralspalast
Bochum Starlight Express Theater
Cologne Musical Dome
Düsseldorf Capitol Theater
Hamburg Mehr! Theater Am Grossmarkt
Madrid Teatro Rialto, Nuevo Teatro
Alcalá, Teatro Calderón and Teatro Nuevo Apolo
Freedom Academy
‘My primary school attended your wonderful performance of Macbeth at the King’s Theatre; for 11-year-old children from the east end of Glasgow to take on Shakespeare is truly remarkable, thank you for changing their perception of theatre and the arts.’ Teacher on Creative Learning Presents Glasgow
Creative Learning is offered locally and responds to specific needs and opportunities in each area.
Activities take place in our inspiring venues, online, at events and festivals, and in schools and other community settings.
• Theatre and mixed art form workshops and courses
• Weekly sessions for all ages
• Performance Academies
• Masterclasses
• Venue tours and behind the scenes experiences
• Open Days
• Performances and events
• Work in Theatre weeks and industry insights
• Q&As, talks and workshops with touring shows
• Accredited learning programmes
• Teachers Networks and CPD
Educating. Entertaining. Empowering. Enriching. 7
Sunderland Empire Academy
Our Impact in...
UK
Engaged 85,683 individual participants
Delivered 4,159 sessions
Produced 128 live performances for 53,716 audience members
Offered 5,668 subsidised and sponsored places
Raised £721,772 in funding and sponsorship
Provided 1,711 industry-focused activities
US
Engaged 12,276 individual participants
Distributed 10,603 free or subsidised tickets
Worked with 150+ community organizations, school groups and government agencies
Presented 178 theater tours and 11 talks/panel discussions by team members
Raised $58,951 in funding and charitable donations to support non-profit partners
Germany
Engaged 34,100 individual participants
Offered
30,600 funded/targeted places
Spain
Engaged 2,231 individual learners at SOM Academy
Distributed 775 free or subsidised tickets
Presented 17 theatre tours and 24 talks/panel discussions by team members
Worked with 11 partner organisations and visiting productions
Glasgow
Go Dance 25 .
Photo by Studio Snap
2024 – 25 Highlights
‘Thank you to every single one of you who pours everything into these children and help build their confidence. That belief in them is what helps them grow, dream, and achieve. When they recognise how brilliant and capable they are, the only thing that can stand in their way is themselves. No one can take away the gift that’s been placed within them, especially when it’s nurtured with care, encouragement and opportunity.’
Parent of a member of Milton Keynes Young Company
Summer School Glasgow Kings
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Photo by Martin Shields
Digital Magic, 17 venues across the UK
We entered into a new partnership agreement with Unicorn Theatre, the largest children’s theatre in the UK, to distribute a brilliant new theatrical reading of Roald Dahl’s The Magic Finger. Suited to primary pupils aged 6 – 9 years, it was free for schools to access online in three short chapters and came with an accompanying resource pack and preparation guide for teachers.
The collaboration helped us bring world-class theatre into classrooms across the UK, with seventeen regional venues engaging 130 schools and 10,469 primary pupils. It helped us expand our
Teacher feedback included...
‘Lots of use of stimulus for discussion, writing and art activities.’
‘The resources were great – would love to use more of the same in the future.’
network of teacher contacts as well as strengthened existing ones and boosted the collective national reach of both organisations.
Of those young people who participated, 44% were in receipt of Pupil Premium/Pupil Equity, with 31% of these classes having percentage figures between 50% and 100%.
The success of the partnership has opened new opportunities to develop digital engagement in schools, and we are planning on working together on a new title in 2025.
‘The children absolutely loved the performances and seeing how they were creatively put together using such a small cast and everyday objects.’
Highlights UK Wide UK, US and Germany
Where We Belong
To celebrate World Theatre Day 2025, ATGE Creative Learning united voices across our venues in a special anthem that highlights the transformative power of theatre and live entertainment. The unique ‘Where We Belong’ initiative brought together artists, educators, and community members across the UK, US and Europe in a worldwide moment of celebration.
World Theatre Day, established by the International Theatre Institute in 1961 and celebrated annually on the 27th of March, honours the impact of theatre in shaping societies and enriching lives. It is a day dedicated to the global exchange of artistic expression, fostering unity and cultural understanding through performance.
As part of this celebration, ATGE shared this collaborative anthem, co-created with ‘Creative Learning’ programme participants and incorporating a breadth of diverse voices from across our wide
network of venues, to highlight the Creative Learning activity taking place year round, engaging thousands of participants from aspiring young performers to dedicated theatre practitioners, ensuring that theatre remains accessible and inspiring for future generations.
The anthem reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the performing arts, celebrating local communities combining to create a global celebration.
‘Great experience to participate in, we love our Creative Learning community!’
Where We Belong participant
West End Shifting the Narrative
Benedict Lombe’s Shifters was only the second play by a Black British playwright to be staged in the West End. Shifting the Narrative was designed to challenge conventional narratives and centre Black joy in literature and theatre.
A pop-up bookshop opened in the foyer of the Duke of York’s Theatre, focusing on empowering narratives from Black writers, and embracing accessibility by offering books on a pay-what-you-can model, free to those facing financial barriers; proceeds supported Free Books Campaign, Black Minds Matter UK, and Sistah Space.
The Radical Love Commissions invited eight Global Majority writers to respond creatively to Shifters, exploring the theme of ‘radical love’ in a short piece. They received a micro-commission fee, worked with Bush Theatre’s Artistic Team for dramaturgical support, and had their work performed by understudies from Shifters for an industry rehearsed reading.
A collaborative effort, Shifting the Narratives was a partnership between ATG Entertainment West End Creative Learning, The Bush Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions and Eleanor Lloyd Productions, with support from major publishers, creating a platform for new voices to explore and celebrate narratives that extend beyond trauma, amplifying the richness of Black experiences in the UK.
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Lashay Green .
‘The children enjoyed the experience and the cultural capital that this supports is amazing.’
Parent, Summer on Stage
Sunderland
Schools’ Dance Festival
Sunderland Empire hosted and produced Sunderland’s first Schools Dance Festival post-covid, in partnership with University of Sunderland.
330 young people aged 5 – 18 yrs, from 17 Primary, Secondary and SEND schools, came together to perform on the Empire’s iconic stage. The theme was ‘A Night at the Theatre’ and the audience of almost 1,000 people enjoyed routines inspired by musical classics such as Thriller, Annie, School of Rock and The Greatest Showman.
Families who came to watch were enthralled by the spectacle of the show and the impressive quality of the production and many audience members observed that this was the best festival yet. The feedback from the participant schools was overwhelmingly positive and all have signed up again for next year.
We plan to make the next festival even bigger, running the schools’ festival during the day and then a dance schools’ festival in the evening, enabling even more young people from the local area to perform on our inspirational stage.
‘The production was just amazing, couldn’t believe the skills of the performers – definitely future stars of the stage!’
Parent, Summer on Stage Glasgow
120 years of the King’s and 60 years of Panto!
This year the King’s Theatre marked two momentous milestones; its 120th anniversary and 60 years since its first pantomime, A Wish for Jamie, established it as the home of great Glasgow pantomimes, combining lavish spectacle and distinctively Scottish humour.
To celebrate, we commissioned a new youth production, Into the Limelight, a whistle-stop journey through The King’s glittering past set in a fictional future where theatres no longer exist. Written and directed by our partners at Showworks Theatre, the production was created for Summer on Stage, our two-week course for young people aged 7 – 17 years. It was performed at The King’s by the cast of 62, reaching audiences of 601
and supported by the Young Ambassadors Take-over team who gained experience in marketing, wardrobe, props, lighting and sound.
We hosted monthly sell out heritage tours which were attended by 339 people, and presented a talk by Dr Paul Malone, theatre historian who has written extensively about Scottish music hall and pantomime. We produced a heritage exhibition displayed in the foyer for the duration of the run of this year’s pantomime, celebrating the legendary Scottish performers including Stanley Baxter, Rikki Fulton, and Gerard Kelly and more recently Elaine C. Smith.
Swansea Main Stage Sessions 001
To celebrate another year of emerging local talent from the South Wales music scene performing in the fortnightly Coffee Shop Sessions at Swansea Arena, we presented the inaugural Main Stage Sessions 001, an evening of creative collaboration with music, immersive visual art and lighting colliding on the main stage.
Five musical acts were invited to work alongside acclaimed local visual artists Jason and Becky, the Swansea Arena tech team, and Music Technology students from University of Wales Trinity St. David, to produce an unforgettable spectacle. The artists’ visuals surrounded the performance area, creating a safe space for the musicians, shielding them from the audience with
moving images and colours that brought to life the focus and feel of their compositions. The performances were stunning, and it was a special evening for everyone who attended. The venue tech team were grateful for the opportunity to work on such a highconcept performance installation, bringing the artists ideas to life on stage.
We plan to stage another similar event in 2025, with the hope that this can become an integral part of the cultural calendar in Swansea in future years.
‘The Main Stage Sessions was a fabulous example of collaboration at its best.’
Creative Swansea Coordinator – Swansea Council Cultural Services
Main Stages session Swansea .
Photo by Serena Killen .
Milton Keynes Young Company Taking the Stage
The Milton Keynes Theatre Young Company created a brand new piece of devised theatre especially for the prestigious Taking the Stage festival, an annual celebration of women playwrights and theatre-makers.
They explored what their world might look like in 2040, commenting that it had been good to look at the future in a positive light, as well as exploring any worries or concerns they had. They then worked with a director to use their thoughts and ideas to make My World, taking on lighting and set design, designing and making puppets, learning stage combat and performing the final piece.
They were also invited to contribute to a panel discussion at the Festival entitled ‘Where are our future theatre-makers?’.
My World gave participants a rare chance for creative freedom and an element of autonomy over their choices. Whilst the director supported them to bring their ideas to life, the young people worked together to create their piece, putting their own stamp on the production and sharing their thoughts and ideas through a creative outlet. They gained an insight into the variety of roles within a theatre company and how to work collaboratively to create a production.
‘This project gave a lot of space for imagination and creativity.’
Young Company participant
Photo by Remi Ajibola
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Manchester Family Participation
Manchester Creative Learning’s family sessions at the Palace and Opera House are designed to support young children and their families access our theatre buildings, opening up the Grade II heritage venues as playgrounds for imagination and participation.
Each of the family sessions include elements of play, imagination and teamwork, consisting of a tour combined with an embedded site-specific storytelling performance themed around the shows on stage.
The group is led on a journey of exploration around the theatre, following a trail of clues left by puppets made from household items who came to life to tell their story. Together they collaboratively solve the mystery which unfolds on the journey.
Over 4 school holiday events we welcomed 45 family members into the theatres – children joyfully took part, built relationships with new friends, and are now fully fledged theatre historians! Grown-ups had as much fun as the children.
We discovered that the families attending the tours were not attending the theatres as audience members yet, highlighting the importance of family focused work for the future. We plan on working with a local theatre company to produce a family show.
‘Thank you for such a brilliant experience. We’ve been inspired to make our own cardboard theatre, and I think when we go home we will do some puppet making!’
Participant
‘Thank you again for a wonderful morning. What else can we get involved in?’
Participant
Photo by Csilla Horvath
‘My daughter had a fantastic week and has learnt and taken away so many new skills.’
Parent of participant
by Naomi Cozzetto
Richmond
Young Filmmakers
Richmond Theatre’s Young Filmmakers project engaged 30 young people, ages 11 – 19 years, in a five-day immersive film-making experience. Participants from Richmond Upon Thames, Kingston Upon Thames, Hounslow, and Ealing explored film production, including storyboarding, camera operation, scriptwriting, acting, and editing, with guidance from four professionals. The project promoted inclusivity, by recruiting diverse participants through local schools and charities.
Participants worked in groups to create four short films, developing skills in visual storytelling, camera operation, scriptwriting, and prop design. One participant even composed an original soundtrack. Acting and editing workshops helped refine participants’ creative abilities, culminating in a private screening for family and friends on stage at Richmond Theatre. Each participant received a fun ‘Oscar’ award for their unique contributions.
The 100% attendance rate reflected participants’ commitment and engagement with the project. The project fostered social connection, as many participants overcame social anxiety and formed lasting friendships. The experience not only ignited creativity, but also motivated several participants to pursue media studies, with others choosing to continue to participate in our Creative Learning programme.
‘I saw my performance and was really proud of myself and my team.’
Participant in Young Filmakers project
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Brighton
Dot Dot Spot
Dot Dot Spot, a Christmas experience for 2 – 4 year olds and their families.
Working with artist and Early Years expert Abi Horn, we created an interactive playroom using the ideas from Heuristic Play and Theory of Loose Parts, i.e playing with everyday objects such as spoons, tubes, keys and buttons, rather than playing with toys. The objects and materials could be used in a variety of ways, creating rich environments for children and encouraging creativity and imagination.
Participants followed a trail to the beautiful playroom, looking for spots and dots and collecting spotty items on the way. After playing, they were invited to listen to a spot-themed story and to make their own spotty sock puppet playmate.
Dot Dot Spot sessions were joyful – parents, carers and grandparents found it fascinating to watch their children engrossed in play, and the children delighted in collecting, stacking, sorting, posting and playing with all sorts of things in all sorts of ways.
300 people experienced Dot Dot Spot including 40 free community tickets to local family hubs and the local council-run nursery.
‘Thank you –perfect for 3 year olds.’
Parent
‘What a magical time at Dot Dot Spot.’
Grandparent
‘Great interaction –very enjoyable.’
Nursery Leader
Photo by Danny Fitzpatrick .
Liverpool Female Empowerment
This 10-week programme was designed in collaboration with Everton in the Community to celebrate International Women’s Day by exploring empowerment, resilience, and self-expression through creative disciplines, led by industry professionals.
Participants engaged in full-day workshops including songwriting, spoken word and scriptwriting. These sessions culminated in a unique digital performance showcasing their individual and collective talents. They also attended a Q&A with the production team of Dear Evan Hansen before watching the evening performance. This behind-the-scenes experience provided invaluable insight into stagecraft, performance preparation, and the impact of storytelling on an audience.
Participants were selected based on their need for external opportunities beyond school, allowing them to express themselves in a safe environment. They collaborated with enthusiasm and energy, and their final recorded performance was a testament to their growth in skill and confidence.
Everton in the Community invited the students to a screening of their filmed performance on International Women’s Day to conclude the project.
The project will run again in 2025 with Year 7 pupils from Hillside High School, supporting their transition to high school, including links with English and performing arts.
‘Thank you so much for these past few weeks. I have learnt so much off all of you guys. This will forever be one of my favourite theatre memories.’
Participant, Hillside High School
‘Thank you all for helping me come out of my shell and be more confident. Thank you for believing in me.’
Participant, Hillside High School
by Phil Tragen
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Stockton Holidays Are Fun
In partnership with Stockton Borough Council, Catalyst, and Department for Education, we delivered a day for the HAF programme – providing enriching activities and healthy meals to children from low-income families in the school holidays.
A very excitable group of 13 – 16 year olds joined us for a jam-packed day of insight into the wonderful world of theatre and live entertainment. We started with breakfast and a tour exploring the rich history of Stockton Globe and the day-to-day running of a live entertainment venue.
Backstage, the group met the Company Manager, Director & Choreographer of SIX for a Q&A, and viewed costumes from the show with members of the Wigs and Wardrobe department. Our venue Tech team took the group on stage for a demonstration of the lights, set, instruments and sound equipment used, and a sneak peek at the opening of the show, standing right where the queens stand!
As a special treat, the production gave the group SIX goodie bags including a signed programme, a pin badge and keyring. After another shared meal it was time for us to take our seats and enjoy the show!
‘Our child dreams of pursuing a career in the world of theatre… she described it as ‘the best day ever’… she hasn’t stopped talking about it, sketching costume ideas, and exploring pathways into the industry. The positive influence it has had on her is beyond words.’
Parent of participant
Bristol Babbasa
As part of our diversity and inclusion aim, in 2023 Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning team began a working relationship with Babbasa, a well-established, multi award-winning youth organisation. Initially taking on a mentee through their mentorship programme, Creative Learning Officer, Kyle Pryke, focused the training on networking skills and the work of theatre and artists unions in the work place.
This led to work with Babbasa on their Challenge programme, where their members must cultivate an event that brings about change to the locality. This involved creating workshops, with the aim to inspire their team to not necessarily find the ‘perfect’ space, but instead find a useful space and think creatively how to use what is available. Workshops also included sharing marketing expertise with a specific focus on reaching audiences, helping to target
audience type, streamlining their ideas into a strong social message.
The CL team have been invited to Babbasa’s joint programme with local government under the banner of ‘OurCity2030’ which outlines the aims of diversity and social mobility targets that companies across the region sign up to, to achieve by 2030. The Hippodrome has been an active participant within these meetings and has shared the complexities faced by the Creative Industries whilst also taking learnings back to our business to encourage our accessibility as a venue.
Stoke-on-Trent
Speak Up
Empowering young people and amplifying their voices, Speak Up is delivered in partnership with Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent and the National Theatre.
This dynamic initiative sees our team work with local artists, and targeted schools with low arts engagement to enable young people to explore artistic responses to issues that matter most to them.
Over the course of the project, Stoke-on-Trent Theatres, in partnership with the National Theatre, have engaged over 2,180 young people through co-created, weekly sessions working with a talented team of local artists. These sessions have provided a platform for young voices to be heard, share new ideas and spark change.
To mark the culmination of this three-year inspiring journey, the young people will lead on curating an extraordinary event at Alton Towers, offering a once-ina-lifetime experience. Alton Towers, a strong advocate for performing arts careers and local talent, will host The Thrill of The Arts, an event designed to empower young individuals to connect, take creative risks, and embrace the exhilarating world of arts and live entertainment.
‘I used to come and watch the Pantos here, and now I’m going to be up on that stage!’
Participant in Speak Up
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Clara Lou Photography .
Edinburgh Project Any Dream
Project Any Dream is a multi-arts project serving primary schools and additional support needs schools in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. Edinburgh Playhouse received funding from Theatre Works to enable 447 children to experience in school music workshops, backstage tours of the Playhouse, and tickets to see a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
We prioritised schools in low socio-economic areas and specifically schools with low scoring SIMD, meaning that these children live in the top 10% of Scotland’s poverty. We also prioritised working with an additional support needs school and a school that was located on our doorstep.
For 92% percent of the children participating, this was their first time visiting a theatre, and 70% of the children were on free school meals. Without this partnership project, these children would not have had the opportunity to experience the excitement of live entertainment.
The project was nominated for an Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Award for inspiring partnerships. We aim to offer this opportunity again for more children across Scotland, using the Project Any Dream model and aiming to serve a primary school in each region in Scotland.
‘It is genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve taken part in with a class.’
Teacher
‘Projects like this are so important because certainly in our school there will have been children who will never ever get the chance to experience live theatre otherwise.’
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San Antonio Broadway Engagement
As part of the Broadway in San Antonio 2024/25 season, we delivered a series of Masterclasses led by members of the company from various touring productions. Workshops in dance, vocal technique and acting, followed by a Q&A focusing on careers, were generously funded by The Majestic Empire Foundation and delivered either at The Espee or in schools.
Each production also had a post-show talk back with members of the cast and crew, targeted at performances with school or community groups in attendance.
Masterclass places were prioritized to young people from lower-socio economic backgrounds and Title I schools. The young people were inspired by learning from professional performers and industry talent and gained incredible insight into what it’s like to work on a
touring production. This access to the live entertainment industry was very valuable to the 480 young people who participated.
We continue to develop the Broadway Engagement Program and plan to focus even more on the wide range of careers in the live entertainment industry, ensuring we continue to provide access to the arts for those who need it most.
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Alex Snell .
San Antonio Les Misérables Engagement
A World of Opportunity connects the Les Misérables Company with educators at under-served and Title I schools, highlighting the diverse career paths available in the theater industry.
As part of the tour to The Majestic Theatre, members of the cast and crew led a careers engagement event and vocal masterclass at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy, discussing their professional journeys, career inspirations, and the wide range of roles that bring a production to life to a group of 71 students aged 14 – 18 yrs.
The masterclass, led by a performer in the production, offered professional insights on vocal technique and stage presence as the students performed a classic song from the show followed by a Q&A, before attending a performance of Les Misérables at The Majestic Theatre, thanks to the generous support of The Majestic Empire Foundation.
Bringing industry professionals into a Title I high school, exposed students to a broader range of career opportunities within theater. The interactive format allowed students to engage directly with theater professionals, expanding their understanding of the industry and creating a meaningful and lasting impact on the next generation of theater professionals.
by Jesse Beere
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San Francisco 2,000 Students Experience Hamilton for Free
For 20 years Champion Charities have organized an annual Night at the Theatre at the Orpheum Theatre, providing free tickets for under represented students around the Bay Area.
Harris Barton, founder of the charity which is inspired by his parents’ love of theatre, celebrated its 20th anniversary partnering with BroadwaySF on a buyout of a matinee performance of Hamilton.
A team of volunteers and theatre staff put together more than 2,000 souvenir bags, containing water, snacks, Hamilton merch, and a special program dedicated to the event, placing them on every seat of the theatre for students to enjoy.
Champion Charities arranged sponsorships from a multitude of organizations to support this event and invited the Golden State Warriors to attend as special guests and beacons of inspiration for the community. The efforts of this partnership have helped make theatre a more accessible experience for students and engage them in the arts and culture of San Francisco.
Our theatre door opened to over 2,000 students from around the Bay Area, excited to see the performance.
Prior to the show, Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors delivered an inspiring speech to the young students, highlighting his own philanthropic work in conjunction with Champion Charities, to help uplift young students of color.
Photo by Jaden Satenstein
Photo by Eat, Learn, Play Foundation .
Northern California Inaugural Sara Bareilles Awards
This year BroadwaySF launched the inaugural Sara Bareilles Awards, named in honor of Northern California’s own two-time Grammy Award winner and three-time Tony® Award nominee.
This regional awards program recognizes outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre and is a part of The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® program – otherwise known as The Jimmy Awards®. Since the beginning of the 2024 – 25 academic year, schools across Northern California have been registering their musical productions for participation in the program.
This is an exciting way to invest in arts education in Northern California and inspire the next generation of theatre artists. Our group of adjudicators, all working
theatre professionals, are attending high school productions across the region, providing a unique opportunity for students aged 14 – 18 years to receive valuable feedback on their craft.
Individual performers and productions with the highest scores will go on to compete at our ceremony at the Orpheum. BroadwaySF will host a day of free educational workshops for participating students, giving them valuable access to expert teaching artists that will help them refine their acting, singing, and dancing skills. The next day, the ceremony on the historic Orpheum stage will feature student performances and exciting special appearances. Award-winners will be announced during the event, and two students will be selected to go on to the prestigious Jimmy Awards® in New York City, all expenses paid.
Germany Starlight Express Open Day
Starlight Express in Bochum opened its doors to over 12,000 visitors for their annual look behind the scenes Open Day. Attendees were able to take part in exciting backstage tours, a scavenger hunt, photo campaigns, workshops, including dance, Starlight Express performance make-up and tote bag design, as well as marvel at the work of the skate department!
A contest on the show truck in front of the Theatre saw fans of all ages presenting dance, singing and costume from the musical to the delight of the audience.
A highlight was the Skate and Technology showcases, an exciting opportunity to gain an insight into Starlight Express behind the scenes and understand more about the amazing lighting and stage technology used in the show. There was live music throughout the day, and a special ticket offer for fans for that evening’s performance. The event closed with a fabulous final concert from the Starlight Express stars. The proceeds of the day went to the RTL Foundation, making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children in Germany and beyond.
Cologne Get Technical!
Presented by Global Creatures in partnership with ATG Entertainment Creative Learning, Get Technical – Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical is an exclusive peek into the mesmerising world of backstage theatre mastery. Get Technical! events aim to ignite passion in young people and inspire them to consider a career backstage/off stage in the performing arts industry.
Following the continuing success of the annual Get Technical in London, which offers 600 aspiring theatre enthusiasts an unforgettable behind the scenes experience, we were delighted to introduce our first Get Technical! to Germany.
Get Technical! Germany gave an insider’s view into the workings of the multi award-winning production Moulin Rouge! The Musical, during two events held at the Musical Dome in Cologne.
Over 1,800 attendees heard from members of the production’s backstage and technical teams and watched live on-stage demonstrations unravelling the mysteries of wigs, wardrobe, soundscapes, automation and stage management enabling participants to actively see the craftsmanship and precision that goes into creating a spectacular musical and how the different technical departments collaborate together to create the production. Team members also shared stories from their own career journeys and gave tips for getting into the industry.
‘An excellent opportunity to learn even more about the different routes available in technical theatre and also to meet like-minded people who shared the same interests as me.’
Together, we nurture the future
Get Involved
When we collaborate with local and national charity, trust, funding and corporate partners, we combine our talents, build on each other’s ideas, expand our goals, deepen our connections and together we create a greater impact.
The Live Entertainment & Arts Foundation (LEAF) is an exciting newly registered charity poised to create a transformational impact across the UK. Through a groundbreaking partnership with ATGE, the stage is now set for LEAF to begin delivering a lasting public benefit and a legacy that inspires, educates and connects communities for generations to come.
Be part of the act: Support our mission to deliver excellence in cultural education and driving positive social change though empowering individuals and enriching communities across the UK.
For ways to get involved or find out more please contact: Anthony Hope, Head of Creative Learning Partnerships and Development: AnthonyHope@atgentertainment.com
Charity number: 1208861 (England & Wales) / SC054017 (Scotland)
‘Wow what a day, they absolutely loved it and were so inspired! Thank you for offering these amazing experiences, being a part of this partnership has changed a lot of students lives – so thank you so much! Teacher from a partnership project in Bristol
Public Acts in Sunderland .
Photo by Mark Savagel
Partnerships and Supporters
From supporting and enabling Creative Learning activity to providing first-time theatre-going experiences, we would like to acknowledge the transformational impact we achieve when we work together in meaningful partnerships. Thank you to all our partners, we are proud to work with you and grateful for your continued support.
Our Supporting Partners
20 Stories High
Age UK
Ageing Well Festival Brighton & Hove
Apollo Arts Ltd
Arts and Heritage Alliance MK
Arts Council England
ATG Productions
Avalon UK
Avanti West Coast
Big Creative Education
Blue Cabin
BOST Musicals
Brighton & Hove Virtual School
Broadway Across America
Bush Theatre
Camden Council
Catalyst
City Lions
Cold Harbour C of E Primary School
Compass Collective
Crossroads Live
Dance Consortium
Developing the Young Workforce
Disney Theatrical
Edinburgh College
Eleanor Lloyd Productions
Elizabeth Jolly Charitable Trust
Empire Theatre (Merseyside) Trust Ltd
English National Ballet
Everton In the Community
Feedback
First Bus
Francesca Moody Productions
Galloways Vocals
Get Into Theatre
Glasgow Life
Global Creatures
Glyndebourne
Gower College Swansea
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Haringey Culture Network
Haringey Shed
Haringey Virtual School
Harry Potter und das Verwunschene Kind
Hulme Grammar School
Imperial War Museum
Kingsbury High School
Lancasterian Primary School
Liverpool One
London Heritage Quarter
Mackintosh Foundation
Majestic Empire Foundation
MAKE (LCEP)
Manchester Active
Manchester City Council
Manchester Youth Zone
Middle Eastern Language School
Milton Keynes City Council
MK College
MK Community Foundation
MK Dons FC Academy
MK Gallery
MKIS School of Islamic Studies
Moulin Rouge! Das Musical
Music Theatre International (Europe)
National Theatre
Noel Coward Foundation
Northbank Bid
Nova Families
Our Pass (Growth Hub)
Our1Community
Out of Chaos
Palace Theatre & Opera House Trust
Pendleton College
Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors
Piece of Cake Productions
Playful Productions
Pride In London
Q:Alliance
Queen Margaret Universtiy
Richmond Theatre Trust
Rolls Royce (Bristol branch)
Safesmart
San Carlo
Sandbach High School and Sixth Form
Scottish Opera
Showworks Theatre Arts
SOLT
Sonia Friedman Productions
Southbank Centre
SouthPaw Dance
Speakers for Schools
Starlight Express
Sterling Event Group LTD
Stiftung RTL – Wir helfen Kinder
Stockton Borough Council
Sunderland College
Sunderland Culture
Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust
Sunderland Music Hub
Taking the Stage Festival
The Broadway League
The Play’s The Thing Theatre Company
Theatre Works
Together for Children
Tottenham Community Sport Centre
Tottenham Hotspur FC
Tottenham Hotspur Foundation
Truby’s Garden Tea Room
Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums
Tyne and Wear Community Foundation
UK Theatre
Unicorn Theatre
University of Sunderland
University of Wales Trinity St. David
Videndum
Vonovia Ruhrstadion
Waltham Forest Council
Waverly Care
We Make Culture
Welton Media
Wesminter Employment Services
West of England Combined Authority
Westminster Council
Westminster LGBT Forum
Worktree
Young Camden Foundation
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland
Contact Us
Hollie Coxon
Group Head of Creative Learning
HollieCoxon@atgentertainment.com
Regional Contacts
Creative Learning teams are delivering local creative projects with all ages across the UK, US and Continental Europe.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
AylesburyCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham BirminghamCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Theatre Royal Brighton BrightonCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Bristol Hippodrome BristolCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Edinburgh Playhouse
EdinburghCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone FolkestoneCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
King’s Theatre & Theatre Royal, Glasgow GlasgowCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Liverpool Empire Theatre
LiverpoolCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Manchester Palace Theatre & Opera House
ManchesterCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Milton Keynes Theatre
MKCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
New Theatre Oxford OxfordCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Richmond Theatre
RichmondCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Stockton Globe
StocktonCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Stoke-on-Trent Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall
StokeCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Sunderland Empire SunderlandCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Swansea Arena SwanseaCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
Princess Theatre, Torquay TorquayCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
West End Venues
Apollo Victoria Theatre, The Ambassadors, The Duke of York’s Theatre, Fortune Theatre, Harold Pinter Theatre, The Lyceum Theatre, The Phoenix Theatre, The Piccadilly Theatre, Playhouse Theatre, Savoy Theatre WestEndCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
New Victoria Theatre, Woking WokingCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
New Wimbledon Theatre
WimbledonCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
The Grand Opera House, York YorkCreativeLearning@atgentertainment.com
US Venues
The Espee, The Orpheum Theatre, Golden Gate Theatre, Fisher Theatre, Smart Financial Centre, Saenger Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, Kings Theatre, Emerson Colonial Theatre, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, Curran Theatre, Walter Kerr Theatre, Eugene O’Neill Theatre, August Wilson Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre, St. James Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Hudson Theatre CreativeLearningUS@atgentertainment.com
Continental Europe Venues
Starlight Express Theatre, Teatro Rialto, Nuevo Teatro Alcalá, Teatro Calderón, Teatro Apolo, Musical Dome, Mehr! Theater Am Grossmarkt, Capitol Theater, Admiralspalast, Teatro Rialto, Nuevo Teatro Alcala, Teatro Calderon, Teatro Nuevo Apo CreativeLearningEurope@atgentertainment.com
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