Charity of the Year
The Sedos Charity of the Year is:
Introducing Mousetrap Theatre Projects
Mousetrap Theatre Projects (MTP) is a theatre education charity dedicated to bringing the magic of theatre into the lives of disadvantaged young people. They take approximately 12,000 young people to see a top London production each year. They enhance that experience with education programmes that use theatre as a catalyst to explore ideas, learn new skills, develop creativity and offer new perspectives.
“‘It has opened up a new world to our students and begun to open their eyes to the possibilities that theatre has to offer… “life-changing” would not be an overstatement”
Teacher, Walthamstow Academy
What MTP Does
MTP run theatre trips, in-school education projects and community workshops, through 16 varied programmes across 3 core areas of endeavour:
- Access - opening doors to young people who have never been to the theatre before, specifically those with limited resources, support or a disability
- Education - using theatre as a classroom resource to enhance the curriculum, invigorate learning, teach new skills and aid personal development
- Audience Development - helping young people make the leap to attending theatre on their own and with friends and make theatre an ongoing, inspiring part of their lives
Who Benefits
Young people mainly aged 11-18 yrs old. At MTP they aim to reach those who have never been to the theatre before, particularly in the West End, for financial, social or cultural reasons. They focus on young people who are disadvantaged, for example they might be living in areas of deprivation, at risk of offending, newly arrived refugees, homeless. They provide special theatre days and drama workshops for young people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf and hard of hearing and young people with special needs.
What People Say About MTP
“This is a brilliant opportunity for the young people that I work with… a totally new experience, an opportunity to be inspired.”
Youth leader, Bexley Moorings Project
“It built confidence and self esteem in young people who have very little belief in their abilities. They felt they had achieved something.”
Youth Leader, Waltham Forest
“The benefits to children’s confidence and communication skills are endless!”
Teacher, John Chiltern Special School
‘Our students have loved having you each week and I have relished seeing them thrive and succeed with you.’
Teacher, Harlow Pupil Referral Unit
“You enabled us to provide something that our students, particularly for the two in wheelchairs, would perhaps never experience in their lifetime.”
Teacher, Charlton School
Visit www.mousetrap.org.uk to find out more.
