As part of Hackney Empire’s world-renowned Creative Futures Programme, Artistic Director Yamin Choudury and the whole team are pleased to announce the digital release of NIGHTSHADE – the 2021 Artist Development Programme (ADP) show. It will be available to watch from January 27th on the theatre’s YouTube channel.

Back in August, 40 young people, aged 14 to 19, has ten days to create and present a sensational new piece of musical theatre. Mentored by industry professionals such as directors Yamin Choudury, Kane Husbands and Musical Director Ty Lowe, they re-imagined the classic love story of Romeo & Juliet. NIGHTSHADE was written by 21-year-old actor Sumah Ebelé.

You can watch the show right now :

The theatre will also present 10 new short plays by their young writers on the main stage for an invited audience on February 9th. Entitled, THE WRITERS’ ROOM, it is a free writing project for young people aged 14-21 years old. The writers have worked with Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner and guest writers over 8 weeks. The short plays will be directed by Milli Bhatia, Associate Director at Royal Court Theatre and performed by a company of professional actors.

In addition, CREATORS COLLIDE will take place from 14 – 17 February 2022, aimed at 14 – 25-year-olds with a passion for the arts and creative industries. A week of workshops, events and Q&A panels put together by young creatives for the next generation of artists, including exclusive access and opportunities to connect to creative gamechangers like gal-dem. Creators Collide will culminate in Pure Vibez, a gig that participants can sign up to perform in.

PROGRESSION SESSIONS is a 6-week programme for Artists, Producers, Musicians and DJs aged 14-19 years old. Guided by industry professionals, participants will receive 1:1 support, producing and recording time working towards a performance, with the sessions taking place every Tuesday 5.30pm-7.30pm. Supported by trained teachers and a mentoring team of up-and-coming musicians, participants will be guided through the process of producing, recording and performing your own music. Covering: Song Writing, Electronic production, Studio engineering, Mixing, Studio recording, Performance.

The Artist Development Programme first launched in 2009. It is a two-week summer programme giving young arist the opportunity to create an original piece of musical theatre. Selected through an audition process and guided by some of the industry’s leading professionals; young actors, writers, musicians, dancers, designers, singers and rappers develop their practice to compose, write, choreograph, design and perform their own piece of original musical theatre created in just twelve days.

Details for the 2022 session will be announced soon so keep your eyes peeled on our socials…