Young people in the island are being invited to audition for a new production as part of one of the world’s largest youth theatre festivals.

Kensington Arts will take part in National Theatre Connections for another year, giving performers aged 13 to 19 the chance to work on a new play and perform both locally and at a regional festival.

Now in its 32nd year, National Theatre Connections has provided hundreds of thousands of young people with opportunities to perform new writing, develop theatre-making skills and work alongside youth theatre groups across the UK and British Isles.

This year, Kensington Arts has been allocated ‘The Manhattan Project’ by Swedish playwright Rasmus Lindberg.

The play combines wartime adventure, detective noir and surreal comedy, following a girl living in a volatile home who escapes into a world of fantasy, war and film noir.

The production will be directed by David Dawson, with James Doyle as assistant director.

Dawson said the team was ‘thrilled’ to have been allocated its first-choice play.

‘What makes Connections so special is the way it challenges young people to step outside their comfort zones, develop their skills and work together to create something extraordinary.’

‘I have been thrilled to have been a part of NT Connections for many years, and each year gives me a fresh thrill to see a new young company take on the challenge of a new play.’

Two free introductory workshops will be held in October as part of the audition process.

They will take place at Kensington Arts this Friday (October 2) from 5pm to 7pm, and next Tuesday (October 6), from 5pm to 7pm.

Young people only need to attend one workshop, although they can attend both if they wish to explore the play further and demonstrate their skills.

Emma Goodson, creative development co-ordinator at Kensington Arts, said Connections was ‘much more than a production’.

‘It’s an opportunity for young people to work collaboratively with challenging new writing, build creative confidence and become part of a nationwide community of young theatre-makers,’ she said.

Those interested in theatre but not necessarily performing are also being encouraged to get involved through Kensington Arts’ weekly Tech Crew programme.

The group meets every Tuesday evening and gives young people practical experience in areas including lighting, sound, set design and stagecraft while supporting productions throughout the year.

For those who are cast in The Manhattan Project, rehearsals will take place on Tuesday and Friday evenings, with performances at Kensington Arts scheduled for February 2027.

The company will then have the opportunity to perform at the regional festival in Blackpool in spring.

There is also the possibility of being selected as one of the top 10 productions nationally to perform at the National Theatre in London.

Kensington Arts has previously reached the National Theatre stage, with its 2022 production of ‘Hunt’ by Fionnuala Kennedy selected for the London performances.

Young people who are interested in joining the 2027 company or tech crew are encouraged to attend one of the workshops.

Further information and details are available through Kensington Arts.