WAC is Scotland’s first care experienced theatre ensemble for young adults.

It was established by CELCIS  and the Citizens Theatre, through an initiative funded by the Life Changes Trust.

In Scotland, there are around 15,000 children and young people in care and many people who have care experience. The strengths, capabilities and resilience of these young people can be extraordinary. Too often, though, care experienced people face barriers and stigma. Their experiences and opportunities are not the same as their peers.

There are lots of plays, books and stories with characters who have lived in care, been adopted, fostered or cared for by relatives. These range from classic examples like Annie and Oliver Twist to Harry Potter, Superman and Dr Who. More often than not these characters are exceptional – either heroes or villains. This can distort people’s perception of care experienced young people. It can also impact the self-image of those who have experienced care. So the value of a group of care experienced young people being able to tell their own stories with their own voice is enormous.

For the participants, it would be an opportunity to discuss and debate the issues that matter to them. And it could provide them with the skills and confidence to pursue their passions, and a career in the arts.

We also wanted audiences to gain an insight into the lives and experiences of these young people. It was a chance to challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes.

The aim of the initiative was to help care experienced young people participate in the theatre and nurture their talent and enthusiasm for the creative arts. This included providing a new opportunity for them to improve their skills, their understanding of theatre, to enhance their future employment prospects and their artistic development. 

From April to June 2019, the group focused on building performance skills and broadening their technical ability.

The group researched and sourced performance material, devised scenes inspired by theatre company Frantic Assembly, composed music, and created original monologues. They also participated in a devising session led by a professional playwright which culminated in a new scene being written for the group based on their improvisations. This culminated in a Summer Scratch event where the group were joined by the Citizens Young Co.

The group also spent a session in the Citizens Theatre Wardrobe Department with Head of Wardrobe Elaine Coyle. The group gained hands-on experience of designing and making costumes inspired by the 70’s punk scene and helped the wardrobe department source costume for one of our professional productions.

The creative arts can be a difficult and precarious industry to be in at the best of times, and the challenges of financial insecurity, childcare costs and family or relationship challenges can be even more pronounced for people who don’t have a strong and wide safety net of family and/or friends. It was especially important that the initiative was able to support those taking part; costs were reimbursed, and free tickets were provided to other theatre productions to help the young actors deepen their exposure to performance and production.

As the ensemble took shape, Guy Hollands (Director) and Carly McCaig (Ensemble Manager) worked hard to offer positive creative spaces in which the young actors could express themselves. This proactive approach to supporting participation helped to build trusted relationships. 

The ensemble then worked with playwright Martin Travers, to inspire and develop the story, characters and script for the WAC ensemble’s first play, Whatever happened to the Jaggy Nettles?   

Ensemble members, Chloe Wyper, Genna Allan, Shannon Lynch, Cameron Macleod, Kieran McKenzie and Allan Othieno all thrived on the hard work. 

The production created scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s in Glasgow, with unemployment and violence prevalent, and centres on a groundbreaking punk band, The Jaggy Nettles. The play follows the band as they struggle to get recognition and fight amongst themselves. Featuring live music, original songs and an abundance of Glaswegian banter, the play is a story of friendship, deception and the power of punk. 

The play was performed in the Brian Cox Studio of the Scottish Youth Theatre in Glasgow in February 2020, to sell-out audiences and to critical acclaim.

Demand for tickets far-exceeded supply.

The Saturday matinee was a special free performance for anyone with care experience and involved a Question-and-Answer session at the end with the cast and Martin Travers. 

For those who had been part of the WAC programme and had a desire to continue training and working in the cultural sector, WAC Pro was created.

Developed in partnership with the Citizens Theatre, GMAC Film, and Arts in the City, WAC Pro provided participants with training and development opportunities. It was a way for young artists to build their skills and establish themselves in the cultural sector.  

NEW WORKS is the culmination of WAC Pro, a body of work focused on the professional development of the ensemble members. A combination of theatre and film works were presented to a select audience on 27 and 28 June 2024 at the Brian Cox Studio Theatre.