We are absolutely thrilled to share that Jigsaw Performing Arts Balham’s Youth Theatre has been accepted onto the National Theatre Connections Programme for 2026! This is a huge achievement for our talented young performers and a fantastic opportunity to showcase their creativity, teamwork, and love of theatre in a national programme.

What is National Theatre Connections?

National Theatre Connections is a prestigious programme run by the National Theatre, bringing together youth theatres and schools from across the UK. Each year, ten brand-new plays are commissioned from some of the UK’s most exciting playwrights. These plays are performed by youth theatres nationwide, giving young people the chance to work with professional scripts and be part of a nationwide celebration of new writing for the stage.

For our Jigsaw Balham Youth Theatre, this means:

Working on a professionally written play from the 2026 selection.
Performing locally here in Balham in early 2026, showcasing the incredible talent of our students.
Taking our production to Theatre Peckham in March 2026, a professional partner theatre, where our young actors will step onto a real stage and perform in front of new audiences.

Why This Matters for Our Young People

Being accepted into the National Theatre Connections Programme is not just about performing, it’s about giving our young people the chance to experience theatre-making at the highest level.

Our students will:

Collaborate as an ensemble, developing strong teamwork skills.
Be inspired by professional playwrights and theatre practitioners.
Build memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

How to Get Involved

If your child loves acting and dreams of taking their passion to the next level, now is the perfect time to join our Jigsaw Balham Youth Theatre. We welcome committed, enthusiastic young performers who want to grow their skills and be part of something truly special.

Youth Theatre details:

For young performers aged 14-18 years
Term starts on the 20th September 2025
Two week trials available to all new families

Places are limited, and with the excitement around this opportunity, we expect high interest.

To find out more or to secure a place visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk/franchise/balham

We are so proud that our local community in Balham will be represented in a national programme. This achievement highlights the talent, hard work, and dedication of our young people, and we cannot wait to see their creativity shine through.

Follow our journey on social media as we share behind-the-scenes rehearsals, student insights, and updates on our National Theatre Connections adventure.

The countdown to Connections 2026 begins!

Jigsaw Arts Balham