The Arts Society & Routes

Routes is a free theatre holiday programme for 5 – 11 year olds receiving free school meals where participants also receive breakfast, lunch and snacks.

For one week, 12 - 15 children take part in theatre workshops designed to build confidence, creativity and teamwork. The young people devise their own show, using their imagination and experiences to create a production on whatever subject they want to explore, which they perform at the end of the week in the Omnibus theatre. 

This programme aims to boost educational engagement as well as an interest in the arts. 

The project was developed in response to reports about local young people when teachers from across local primary schools disclosed that pupils had expressed anxiety when approaching the holidays. Without access to their free school meal, children have reported not eating lunch for weeks at a time.

Working with local primary schools and community groups, the theatre have developed a referral process, ensuring the places are filled by those who are likely to have the least access to the arts, and those who may go without lunch during the school holidays

The Arts Society Clapham Common part funded the project, and even helped with the catering.

Gena Gilbert, Chairman of The Arts Society Clapham Common says "It was a very successful if exhausting two weeks! The kids had a great time and certainly ate well."

One child commented "I had lots of fun at Omnibus theatre and I hope I can come back soon”, and another “I learnt how to be confident while acting”