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Storyhouse Young Company (SYC)

About SYC

Storyhouse Young Company (SYC) is a FREE actor training programme for 18–25 year olds who are interested in performing.
SYC offers weekly training sessions of practical workshops and masterclasses with professional artists. Followed by an intensive rehearsal and production period with a leading professional director.
SYC is designed to give you the opportunity to develop your theatre and performance skills. You will be supported by a team of professional artists with a wealth of experience in the industry to make a show to be presented in our theatre spaces.
SYC is made possible by funding from trusts and foundations and donations from our wonderful audiences.

SYC 2027- Applications now open!

If you are interested in joining Storyhouse Young Company, applications for SYC 2027 are now open!

We are looking for young people aged 18-25 to be a part of SYC 2027! SYC is an opportunity to perform in a professional standard production on the Storyhouse stage, work with an incredible team of industry professionals and develop your performance skills.
Don’t worry if you haven’t had much prior experience, SYC is a training programme for actors and will provide you with the training you need to kick start a career in the industry!

How to apply:

To apply, please complete this application form and tell us why you would benefit from this opportunity. Everyone who applies will be offered a place in one of our free, workshop auditions. This is a chance to meet some of the creative team and experience what an SYC session is like.
If you have any questions about the programme, you can get in touch with the team by emailing learning@storyhouse.com

How to apply:

To apply, please complete this application form and tell us why you would benefit from this opportunity. Everyone who applies will be offered a place in one of our free, workshop auditions. This is a chance to meet some of the creative team and experience what an SYC session is like.
If you have any questions about the programme, you can get in touch with the team by emailing learning@storyhouse.com

FAQs

Can I join SYC?

If you’re aged 18-25, live in Cheshire or the nearby areas and have an interest in live performance then SYC is for you! 

We will prioritise working with people who are not currently at university, in drama school or who have Agent representation. As SYC is a free programme, we want to make sure that we are prioritising people who wouldn’t otherwise get this type of training. 

Sign up to our SYC 2027: SYC 2027 Application Form – Fill out form

 

How do I apply?

To join, you will need to complete a short application form and then come along to an informal workshop audition where we will be meeting everyone and finding out about their skills and experience.

Everyone who fills out an application form will be invited to audition.  

What are the key dates?
Key Dates
When applying for SYC 2027, you must be available to attend the following dates:
Auditions
Tuesday 17 November OR Wednesday 18 November 2026 (evenings)
Company Meet Up/R&D with the Writer
Saturday 12 December 2026 (all day)
Training Sessions
12 Jan-6 April
Tuesday Evenings, 5.30-9pm
Rehearsals
12 April-30 April
Monday-Friday Evenings, 5.30-9pm
Show Week
3 May-9 May
All week (day time and evenings)
What is special about SYC 2027?
2027 is a very special year for Storyhouse as we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary!
To mark this occasion, and recognise a decade of work with children and young people we are hiring a professional writer to commission an original script, written in consultation with young people all over Cheshire!
Not only that, but for the very first time, SYC will be performing their production on the main stage for an audience of 800 each night!

 

What do Young Company do?

  • Work on a production with a professional Director and creative team
  • Perform on the Storyhouse stage
  • Graduate the programme and have the opportunity to audition for paid positions at Storyhouse, such as our Trainee Actor Programme
  • Be invited to masterclasses with industry professionals

What do Young Company gain?

  • What will you gain from the programe?
  • A network of like-minded people
  • New skills and ideas
  • Increased confidence
  • The opportunity to work with a range of people including industry professionals
  • Tickets to see Storyhouse productions
  • Mentoring and exclusive backstage access to Storyhouse

Past Shows:

Idyll - 2026

Alice is falling in love. Harry has been sleeping in a tent in the garden. Tommy Scott has been blocking the road with hay bales again. A map can tell you about the land, but it can’t tell you about the people who live there, so that is what we’re here to do.

Storyhouse Young Company bring this play to life in an ensemble production fusing storytelling, movement, and plenty of characters.

Love and Information - 2025

Love and Information is an extraordinary kaleidoscope of scenes, delving into the profound impact of technology on modern relationships.

With moments of humour and insight, it will leave you reflecting on the ways we are connected and disconnected in today’s world.

Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat - 2024

Experience the gripping journey of Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat, an extraordinary series of plays delving into the profound impact of war on contemporary society.   

Performed by SYC (Storyhouse Young Company), each play within this compelling collage draws inspiration from classic works, weaving together a tapestry of diverse scenes that will captivate and provoke.   

This house is your house.

Opening times

We’re open from early until late every day!

Our building is open from 8am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday.

On Sundays and Bank Holidays (excluding Christmas) we’re open from 9.30am to 11pm.

Food is served in The Kitchen from 9am to 9pm daily.

Become a Member

Become a Member

£6 – 10% off most theatre tickets, cinema tickets, food & drink at The Kitchen, priority booking for selected shows, and more.

Become a Young Member

Become a Young Member

FREE – sign up for £5 cinema tickets, discounts in The Kitchen, and free hot drinks