It’s our Luton was a Children in Need funded project run with young people in Luton in 2013. Working in conjunction with Putteridge High School the project engaged young participants in a programme of self-development through dance, acting, spoken word and music.

The project delivered after-school workshops with professional artists who mentored and supported the participants as they developed creative ways to tell their stories through Urban Theatre.

As the course progressed we witnessed many positive changes in the young people who took part. Many of them spoke of how the workshops caused their confidence to blossom and they gained new friendships within the group.

The workshops built up to two performances known as Slam Nights where the young people showcased their work. The first of these was at Putteridge High School and the second at UK Centre for Carnival Arts. Feedback from both performances spoke highly of the young people’s talents and moving stories.

The young people who performed at these Slam Nights went on to receive Trinity College London Bronze Arts Awards and a number have gone on to pursue their Silver Arts award.

We are so proud of this project and want to thank the school, artists and our project manager Lasana Shabazz for all the hard work that went into making it a success. We also want to thank Children in Need for their support, without which this work would not have been possible.