Why choose Light UP

More than a drama class

At Light UP, young people don't just take classes – they become part of a creative community where they can grow in confidence, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships.

Large group of diverse young adults and a few older individuals smiling and laughing outside a modern building with glass windows.

Led by experienced theatre professionals, our unique and innovative programme offers inspiring opportunities to learn, perform and experience. We also run projects in the school holidays, offer discounted theatre tickets on our Light UP trips and as the youth theatre of professional theatre company Unexpected Places, we often run other projects outside of our classes our members can benefit from.

Award trophies with a star shape and a circular center, placed on a table among gold-colored cards with handwritten notes, under purple lighting.

As a charity, every penny we raise is invested back into our young people, helping us deliver exceptional experiences at outstanding value. Above all, we're known for our supportive and nurturing environment, where every member is encouraged to thrive, build confidence, and discover their potential.

first class teaching

from experienced theatre-makers and performing arts professionals.

Unique opportunities

through our connection with professional theatre company Unexpected Places, giving members insight into the world of professional theatre and performance.

A supportive community

where every young person is valued, encouraged, and given the confidence to thrive.

Wellbeing, not just performance

that go beyond weekly classes, helping young people develop creatively, artistically, and personally.

Exciting experiences

that go beyond weekly classes, helping young people develop creatively, artistically, and personally.

Outstanding value for money

high-quality training and opportunities with every penny reinvested in our members.

Our Story js-hero-timeline

  • A young girl with long dark hair, wearing a gray school uniform and a red cardigan, smiling and giving two thumbs up in front of red stage curtains.

    2014

    Our first class opens in Hamble. We have 9 students, some of which will be with us for the next decade!

  • Children dressed as soldiers and characters standing in a line saluting, with two children lying on the floor dressed as a corpse, holding a 'R.I.P' sign, in a room with wooden floors and plain walls.

    2015

    We open in Gosport, and stage our first production - Peter Pan.

  • Children dressed as pirates and a sailor, some displaying angry or serious expressions, on stage with a blue curtain background.

    2016

    We grow again and start classes in Warsash and Bitterne.

    Rosie writes the first Light UP production - Treasure Island, which becomes a favourite show for so many of our students.

  • A group of children and teens in Halloween costumes with face paint, sitting and lying on the floor in a room decorated with green and brown handmade paper decorations and artwork.

    2017

    This year our outdoor performance of Jungle Book gets rained off by the biggest summer storm in recent years and we extraordinarily pivot to performing in a local library which goes down in Light UP lore!

    We also take our audience to unexpected places with Trick or Treat, an immersive spooky storytelling adventure at the 17th Century Village in Gosport.

  • A church hall with stained glass windows at the back, set up for a performance or presentation, with a stage and an audience seated in front. There are people standing on stage.

    2018

    One year - 3 shows, including The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, with guest adult actors. An incredible show with an incredible cast.

  • Group of performers on stage celebrating after a show, some holding flowers, smiling and posing for a photo.

    2019

    Our first Awards Night, celebrating the achievements of our youth theatre members AND our first Summer Youth Project as we staged Chicago, High School Edition. Both projects that now run annually at Light UP.

  • A winter scene with snow-covered hills and green Christmas trees decorated with white stars. There is a depiction of Santa Claus in a sleigh pulled by reindeer flying across a snowy sky, with falling snowflakes. Text on the image reads, 'Twas the zoom before Christmas' and details about an online student event on December 24th at 7:00 PM on Facebook.

    2020

    We move online and support our members daily with drama classes, wellbeing support, check in’s and put together Twas’ the Night Before Christmas performed online. We also host a weekly quiz which people from across the country took part in!

  • Woman dressed as an elf holding a candy cane, posing in front of an inflatable holiday backdrop.

    2021

    We are recognised at the Music and Drama Education Awards and are a finalist for Outstanding Drama Initiative recognising the diverse range of Light UP projects. We also launch Ensemble to support the next generation of theatre makers and creatives and stage an immersive Christmas experience called A Christmas Calamity.

  • Group of children and adults gathering in a park for an outdoor event with white tents, balloons, and trees in the background, some children holding large colorful letters.

    2022

    We run the first ever Light UP Festival - the first festival of its kind mixing professional and youth performance together in the beautiful grounds of The Gregg School. We also take part in the National Theatre Connections programme for the first time with our Ensemble group.

  • A group of young people participating in a street event, holding signs and banners for a performance called 'The Signal Man' at the Fringe street event in Edinburgh, with historic buildings and other attendees in the background.

    2023

    We collaborate with Maskers Theatre to stage The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in the beautiful setting of Royal Victoria Country Parks Chapel. We also devise an original, innovative performance of Charles Dickens The Signalman which goes on to sell out at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and be nominated for another award in the Outstanding Drama Initiative category for the Music and Drama Awards.

  • Group of children in costumes on stage during theatrical production of Peter Pan at City College, The Hub, on February 3, 2024.

    2024

    We celebrate our 10th year of supporting young people to shine. We stage our first Combined Company Production, pooling resources to create an even more spectacular show and experience for our Company members and write our own version of Peter Pan. We perform at Totton Drama Festival and collaborate with #BeeWell to run a pioneering wellbeing programme culminating in an original production called The Wall.

  • Group of children and an adult in fun costumes and sunglasses, sitting and standing on chairs in a classroom or theater setting, making peace signs and smiling.

    2025

    Time to add an Easter Youth Project into our annual schedule - with our first EYP staging our own version of The Tempest. Our Warsash Advanced group also takes a production of The Trials on a tour of Hampshire venues, to give our young people the experience of touring theatre.

  • A young person with short blonde hair, wearing glasses, a gray cap, a black T-shirt, and ripped jeans, is outdoors holding a megaphone and wearing pink feather decorations.

    2026

    You join Light UP! Take part in a brilliant programme for 2026.

see the difference for yourself

The best way to understand Light UP is to come along. Your first class is free.

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