An ensemble of care experienced young people from Glasgow who love performing have just secured an exciting new project. The WAC Ensemble has partnered with Citizens Theatre, GMAC Film and our Arts in the City programme for a newly funded opportunity that will empower and showcase the talent of the care experienced young artists.

Our Arts in the City initiative exists to help improve the lives and opportunities of looked after and accommodated children, young people and care leavers through engagement and involvement in the arts. It does this by programming art activities developed and designed specifically for this client group. One of the many projects of Arts in the City is the WAC Ensemble.

Since its formation in 2019, initially for 18 to 26 year-olds, WAC Ensemble has provided unique and exciting theatre and film performance opportunities. WAC aspires to challenge prejudice against individuals with care experience, breaking down stereotypes and biases that can limit opportunities. Members of the Ensemble have been praised for their successes, with awards for their work including the ‘Writers’ Guild Best Play for Young Audiences Award 2022’ and ‘Best Actor’ awards at the 2022 Big Syn Film Fest.

Funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the new programme will enable the WAC ensemble to become WAC PRO and support the participants to create 10 new pieces – five in theatre and five in film – while receiving invaluable mentorship from industry professionals. Members will receive full support to bring their ideas to life including a series of masterclasses, one-to-one guidance, a daily freelance rate and budget. The project will culminate with an event hosted by the Ensemble that showcases the plays and films, and creates space for discussion around avenues into the industry for care experienced young people across the city.

WAC Ensemble Member said: “I’ve never been part of a group like this before. In fact, during the 10 years I spent growing up in foster care, I never took part in any group that included other care experienced people. I always had the fear that the fact I grew up in care would somehow restrict me, that I would be put into a box and people would expect a certain kind of behaviour from me. A kid that grew up in care, and nothing more.”

Deni Smith, Arts and Culture Development Worker, Arts in the City, Glasgow City HSCP said: “WAC Pro has been designed to alleviate some of these barriers through the package of support provided. For the Ensemble members, who each have lived experience of care, the project provides a paid opportunity to dedicate time to their creative ideas. Having watched the incredible performances from WAC Beginnings, I can only imagine the absolute delights in store at the final WAC Pro event in June 2024”.