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Preparing to reopen with community at our heart
As we prepare to reopen our doors later this year, communities are not just welcome — they’re centre stage
Today, we’re proud to introduce Participate — our refreshed and expanded programme of community engagement. Participate isn’t just something we offer; it’s who we are. It’s how we connect, how we grow, and how we make space for stories that matter.
Even while our building was closed — through the challenges of a pandemic and everything in between — our Participate team and community projects never stopped. We kept going, kept listening, and kept learning. And now, with brand-new, purpose-built, accessible spaces for sharing and creating together, we’re ready to welcome more people than ever before.
From children taking their first steps into drama and theatre-making to lifelong learners rediscovering their creative voice, Participate is open to everyone — all ages, all backgrounds, all levels of experience. Whether you want to dip your toe in with a Theatre Lab session or commit to a longer-term creative journey through our Community Collective, there’s a way for everyone to take part.
“I am delighted to launch our Participate programme today and share our commitment to communities as part of the new era of the Citizens Theatre when we reopen later this year. With the incredible facilities of the new building matched to an exciting range of activities to connect and create together, we are able to offer truly inclusive opportunities to more people than ever before. At the Citz, we believe that theatre and drama are a powerful tool to give voice to our collective stories, rooted in both the local and global. We want everyone to feel a sense of belonging as they embark on their journey with us, both long-standing participants and those visiting for the first time. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors to play their part in our story.”
Catrin Evans, Participate Director, Citizens Theatre
It’s not just about performances. We’re opening our arms to Glasgow in lots of ways.
- Young Creatives: Weekend drama workshops for children in P1–P7
- Young Artists: Weekday evening creative sessions for S1–S6 students
- Young Makers: Weekend creative sessions for learning disabled and/or neurodivergent young people S4-S6
- Young Co.: For people aged 18-22 who share a passion for making theatre
- G5 Creators: After-school care sessions for Gorbals primary school pupils
- Theatre Lab: A new programme for adult participants that offers hands-on creative experiences in performance, design, and storytelling.
- Community Collective: A sociable group open to anyone with an interest in theatre—no experience needed
- 119 Players: Our weekly drama group for learning disabled and/or neurodivergent adults aged 18 and over
- Navigate: An ambitious multi-year project working alongside partner organisations in and around Glasgow
We want everyone to know there’s a place for them here — to try something new, make friends, and build confidence through creativity.
Whether you’re already part of our community or ready to take your first step, explore, find out what interests you and get ready to book.
Altogether, we’re like no other — and you’re a part of that.
The Citizens Theatre is grateful to all funders and donors who generously support the Participate programme and make this life-changing work possible. These include:
- Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
- Morag Williamson
- National Lottery Awards for All
- National Lottery Improving Lives
- National Lottery Young Start
- RS Macdonald
- The William Syson Foundation
- and a small family charitable trust