A St Albans-based theatre group is helping young people with special needs build confidence and creativity through performing, thanks to support from the BBC Children in Need appeal. Herts Inclusive Theatre (HIT), which has been active for 25 years, provides opportunities for both young people and adults to engage in theatre activities and productions.
The charity, which also runs projects in Harrow, north London, relies on funding from Children in Need to make its work possible. Ellie Short from HIT explained the group’s ethos: “You create a safe space where everybody who comes here is free to be exactly who they are. It’s about meeting the needs of everybody in the room; everyone feeling accepted for who they are. Then using creativity and a sense of belonging, people can thrive and come into the space in a way that they feel comfortable.”
The group currently hosts a weekly workshop in Stevenage, where participants have been preparing for a production of Treasure Island. One attendee, Grace, shared how the sessions have boosted her confidence in creative skills. “Ever since I was possibly 13 or so, I’ve always been wanting to become either an actor, movie-maker, or author,” she said. “Because I’m actually so good at making stories and film-making and acting, I don’t really know which one to choose.”
Kasia Truefitt, a manager at HIT, highlighted the impact of the sessions on families. “Everyone is included and we get so much feedback from parents and carers that their children have never thrived so much as when they’ve come to HIT. They make friends, build confidence, and they get to see their children on stage, where they may never have thought they could do that. There really is a stage for everybody,” she said.
The charity has also announced that its annual Enrich Festival will take place next year on 26 and 27 May at Watford’s Palace Theatre, giving participants another platform to showcase their talents. Ms Short paid tribute to volunteers and donors who help make the organisation’s projects possible. “Every bit of funding is gratefully received – not only gratefully received, but just fundamental to these young people’s lives,” she said.
Herts Inclusive Theatre continues to provide an inclusive environment where young people with special needs can develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of community, highlighting the transformative power of performing arts.
