Working With Mildenhall College Academy

Emma Thorpe, Young People’s Producer at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds said: ‘This fantastic project helps to provide young people in Mildenhall and the surrounding areas access to the creative arts that in turn, will help to improve their critical thinking, teamwork and artistic skills. After five years of working with Mildenhall College Academy, we are so pleased that we can continue this vital partnership.’

Funded by West Suffolk Locality Funding with thanks to Cllr Ian Shipp, this project brings skilled theatre practitioners back into the school for the coming academic year, building

on the strong foundations already in place.
This project is all about widening access. It supports 150–175 young people in Years 8–10, particularly those who may otherwise face financial barriers to engaging with the arts.

The impact goes far beyond the classroom:
• Increased engagement in drama across the school
• Improved skills and confidence in participating young people
• Greater youth engagement in the arts across Mildenhall
• Enhanced physical and mental wellbeing

Through a programme of physical theatre, choreography, comedy and improvisation workshops, students will have the opportunity to develop creatively, collaborate with others, and grow in confidence.

By providing opportunities like these, we’re able to support young people’s self-expression, build resilience, and feel more connected.

A huge thank you again to Cllr Ian Shipp and West Suffolk Locality Funding for making this possible. Emma Suckling