Introduction
The Cast Offs Project
In 2025 Rotherham has become the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture, designed and delivered by local children and young people aged 0-to-25. As part of our programme, the Children’s Capital of Culture team have commissioned Chol Theatre (opens in a new window) to deliver Cast Offs ’25, an exciting Youth Drama Project for Rotherham young people. And you could be part of it, by becoming a Children’s Capital of Culture Young Artist in Residence!
Cast Offs ’25: A Legacy of Youth-Led Theatre
For two decades Cast Offs Theatre Company, in connection with Rotherham Council’s Youth Service, championed youth creativity. From the 1990s to the 2010s they collaboratively explored ideas, stories, and concepts that resonated with young people. It wasn’t just theatre: Cast Offs provided a space where voices were amplified, identities affirmed, and where stories mattered.
Let’s Cast Off Now in 2025
We’re inviting young people to form a new young company, who will revisit and explore the original Cast Offs theatre plays ready to co-create a brand-new theatre piece. We will then share this new performance with audiences in November and December 2025.
We’ll be exploring themes around myths, climate and identity, turning them into something raw, loud, and completely new!
Overarching aims of the project
- Share the impact of youth drama: across Rotherham, through this project, young people will find confidence, self-expression, and a place where they truly feel seen.
- Shed expectations: Theatre challenges stereotypes. Here, we’ll showcase young people as dynamic creatives, collaborators, and storytellers.
- Ignite creativity: build confidence and strengthen connections with your peers and fellow collaborators.
- Skills sharing and creative development: collaborating with professional artists, you’ll create a new theatre piece.
Become our Young Artist in Residence!
As part of this exciting new project, Children’s Capital of Culture and Chol Theatre are seeking two Young Artists in Residence to collaborate with us on this upcoming new theatre show, which will be performed in November and December 2025.
We are looking for young people with an interest and passion for Music and Movement & Dance to explore their creativity and collaborate on a new, co-created theatre.
Young people who successfully apply to become our Young Artists in Residence will benefit from real-world creative commissions to build your portfolio, dedicated mentoring and support from arts professionals – and a £2,000 payment each.