Taster Days take place at the Studio Theatre, which has its own entrance on Potterrow. Participants will also explore selected areas of the Festival Theatre throughout the day.  You can read more about the venues here.

While participants attend the day independently, we understand some adults may wish to stay nearby. Adults are welcome to enjoy a cosy cuppa in the Festival Theatre café while the day is underway.

Participants should bring a packed lunch. An afternoon snack, water and juice will be provided. If cost is a challenge, we are very happy to arrange a lunch box – simply let us know in advance. 

Sessions are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 20 participants (typically 15–20), allowing our artists to provide a supportive and engaging experience.

We are committed to creating an environment where young people feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Our staff are trained to support a wide range of needs, including learning and physical disabilities, autism, and neurodivergence, and we adapt activities wherever reasonably possible. 

If you would like to discuss your young person’s needs in advance, we warmly encourage you to contact us – we are always happy to help you decide whether the day feels like the right fit. 

When considering the experience, it may be helpful to note: 

• The day lasts approximately 6 hours. 

• Participants work collaboratively in a group setting. 

• The programme includes practical workshops, a guided backstage tour, and creative ensemble work. 

• Many participants attend independently, though gentle icebreakers help build comfort and connection. Young people are always free to contribute at a level that feels right for them. 

If attending with a friend would provide reassurance, bursary places may be available – please get in touch to discuss options. 

Programmes vary slightly, but typically include: 

• A guided backstage tour (locations may differ depending on the production schedule) 

• A hands-on technical theatre workshop 

• A rotating creative session — such as stage makeup, design, or puppetry 

• A devising workshop, where participants collaborate to create original performance work 

Each session is led by experienced engagement artists and supported by our team. A First Aid–trained staff member is always present in the building, and we make sure to plot in a lunch and snack break, to allow breathing space between activities.

Young people are encouraged to take part fully, but participation is never forced. 

A quiet breakout space is available throughout the day for anyone who may need time away from activity. Our team will check in sensitively and can contact parents or guardians if required. 

Responsible adults should remain reachable for the duration of the session in case of emergency, and should be willing to return to the theatre if requested.

We ask all participants to behave respectfully towards one another and our staff so that everyone can enjoy a positive and creative experience. 

Participants are welcome to keep their phones with them. We will advise if photography is restricted in certain areas and ask that no images are taken of other participants without consent. Our artists appreciate phones being kept out of sight during workshops. 

During registration, we will request image permission for any photography captured for marketing purposes. Participants may choose to step out of images at any time.

Comfortable clothing suitable for practical activity is recommended, along with sensible, closed-toe shoes.