Young Thespians

The Erasmus+ project “Young Thespians: Youth Performing Arts Education for All!” explored how young people – particularly those who experience disadvantage due to characteristics such as language, gender identity, or religion – can gain equal access to the performing arts. Together with the Reykjavík Ensemble (Iceland) and the Musisches Zentrum Wien (associate partner), we implemented the project to make structural barriers visible, develop practical tools for inclusive work in the performing arts, and strengthen equitable participation.

We combined our expertise in research and artistic practice in close collaboration with our partners. We also worked closely with young people, arts educators, teachers, social workers, and artists. This collaboration formed the basis for a participatory needs analysis on access to the performing arts. We are very grateful to the Austrian and Icelandic participants whose contributions were central to the development of an effective, practice‑oriented toolkit and directly informed its design. In addition, we conducted pilot courses in Reykjavík and Vienna to test the toolkit in practice and ensure its best possible use for future practitioners.

The research carried out in Iceland and Austria shed light on the ongoing tension between social realities and institutional practice in the performing arts. To address the many challenges in ensuring fair access, we developed the “Young Thespians’ Toolkit” for arts educators and youth leaders”. Through its diverse techniques, methods, exercises, stories, tools and recommendations, we enhance equitable access for young people in the performing arts. The project’s outstanding impact earned us the Erasmus+ and ESK Award 2024.

Young Thespians’ Toolkit

Editor: Rida Arif Siddiqui
Authors: Anna Gaberscik, Pálína Jónsdóttir, Jessica Marie LoMonaco, Ewa Marcinek, Stella Radovan, Cristina Sandino Rossmann, Rida Arif Siddiqui
Publisher: Reykjavík Ensemble / EDUCULT
Design and Layout: Michael Jung, metaphor.me, Icons HDM from the Noun Project

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for all contributions and unwavering support throughout this journey of creating the Toolkit. The dedication and enthusiasm of Austrian and Icelandic researchers, practitioners, youth educators, and youth have shaped this publication into what it is today.

The project has been supported by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union.