Started in 2025, the Second Stage initiative sits within two of this Government’s missions

Kickstarting economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity

Live theatre is one of Britain’s most defining and influential art forms; it is the bedrock of the UK’s creative talent, both on and offstage, and the deep interdependence between our creative industries, proves that theatre serves as a vital training ground, continuously fuelling and being enriched by film, TV, radio, music and the video gaming sectors.

With theatres located in communities across the country, we not only support local economies but also break down barriers to opportunities. Each theatre achieves this by enhancing creative education through participation and outreach work, and by providing training and pathways to low and highly skilled jobs on and off the stage.

Second Stage has been created to support one of these pathways. In its work to engage with those leaving the criminal justice system, it offers an opportunity to explore a new community with a tolerant and welcoming workforce, who work collaboratively to deliver success via outcome focused teamwork. That working as part of a creative team with shared responsibilities provides its own rewards; that with transferable skills from trades including carpentry, electrics, construction, hairdressing and sewing, they might find a fast paced and adrenalin fuelled environment, within an artistic community.

With reoffending rates currently costing the country £18.2billion, we believe theatre can play a vital role in reducing those rates as well as fulfilling two of the Government’s important missions.