Prime Theatre

Prime Theatre is Swindon’s only professional theatre company.

Prime Theare Swindon make professional productions for children and young people that tour schools and venues across the UK.

The organisation runs Prime Youth Theatre for 150 young people aged 5-25 years, who enjoy weekly workshops learning acting techniques and other theatre skills.

Projects and workshops are also available for local schools and community groups, whether linked to the curriculum or for personal development.

Prime Theatre Swindon is based at the Wyvern Theatre but can also deliver projects in other venues. As a charity, it receives funding from both Arts Council England and Swindon Borough Council. 

Prime Youth Theatre (7-25yrs)

The only youth theatre in Swindon linked to a professional theatre company that has ongoing support from Arts Council England. Prime Theatre train young actors, writers and technicians. Weekly workshops are led by professional tutors, directors, actors, writers and designers. Their physical workshops take place at Drove School until the Wyvern Theatre reopens and their digital workshops require access to a device with a camera/microphone.

They help increase confidence, communication and creativity. Many ex members work professionally in film, theatre and TV while others use their drama and performance skills in everyday life.

Find out more or view the term dates here!

Membership Fees

• 7-11yrs £80
• 12+ yrs £100

These prices are for their 12 workshops and contributions towards When This Is Over. There are no additional fees.

Supported Memberships: Swindon Borough Council provides free places for any young person who is a Child Looked After, Care Leaver or has an EHCP, or to any young person not in Education, Employment or Training.

A limited number of free and discounted places are available to those who are Deaf, disabled, young carers, receive free school meals, or have a household income of less than £25K.

For more payment details: [email protected] or 01793 614864.

Physical Workshops

These workshops currently take place at Drove School, Swindon.

Current Covid-19 guidelines do not allow Prime Theatre to run physical workshops for young people over the age of 18. They will open workshops to this age group ASAP and will update this page when a date has been agreed by the Government.

Enjoy acting? Want to learn even more performance skills?

Prime's professional workshops cover improvisation, scripts, devising and characterisation. Ages are for guidelines only. Beginners and emerging artists are welcome at each level.

• Group 1 - Age 7-11
• Group 2 - Age 12-15
• Group 3 - Age 16-18

Keen to build confidence and make friends? Want to have fun and relax? Drama Games is a weekly workshop where it's non-stop playtime for ages 11-18.

Digital Workshops

Acting Online: Can't get to a physical workshop? Keen to develop performance skills at home? This group covers the essential skills behind creating character and developing vocal techniques. Great for approaching scripts and preparing for auditions. Age 14+

Writers Pad: Have something to say? Want to write your own script? Friendly sessions to learn dramatic writing, develop techniques and find your own voice. Suitable for beginners and those with more experience. Age 14+

Tutors

In Prime Theatre's safe and supportive environment, young people develop theatre techniques, learn how to express themselves, grow social skills and empower their creative voices.

Prime Tutors are professional creatives who specialise in training young people. All staff have DBS checks and regular safeguarding training.

Mark Powell – Artistic Director: Trained at Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance & Birmingham University. Mark is a director & writer with credits including Salisbury Playhouse, National Theatre, the egg & Birmingham Rep.

Laura Jasper – Associate Director: Trained at Bristol Old Vic, SITI Company (NYC) and The Acting Corps (Los Angeles). Laura has worked across the UK as an actor, theatre practitioner and director for Bristol Old Vic, Nottingham Playhouse, Salisbury Playhouse, The Globe, Frantic Assembly

Helen Morley – Young Director: Helen trained in English & Theatre at Warwick University. Her theatre company, Reactivist, presents work across the country including the Vaults Festival, Edinburgh Fringe & the MAC Birmingham.