Starting out in 2018 and through most of 2019 we developed our first dedicated local groups of young people training as reviewers for Voice magazine. These groups were known as Voice Outreach groups, but a more accurate title is what we’re taking forward for an application to run the programme in 6 areas across the country in 2020 & 2021 – ‘Young Voices’.
We commissioned Simon Pickering from Dot To Dot to undertake an external evaluation of the pilot, a few excerpts from the evaluation include “Young people clearly felt they had ownership of the project and its direction”, ” Most notably,100% of the young people interviewed stated that they would recommend the project to a friend or other young people” and “Young people reported that the facilitators and their approach towards the group meetings and training was excellent”.
There is also learning to take from the project, through our internal evaluations and highlighted through the external evaluation. We’ll be working to make the submission and review process even easier, to supporting more group event attendances (to build confidence in independent reviewing) and conversely more support for ‘self-service’ online resources too. We’re also going to focus on more mixed-media support and host meet-ups for everyone in different groups.
Some of the feedback quotes include:
I loved meeting all the new people and really enjoyed learning more about reviewing. I could not recommend this project highly enough – it should be available to ALL young people
Young Reviewer
Voice Outreach has definitely confirmed to me that I would like to work in the arts sector in the future
Young Reviewer
Voice Outreach was really good because I got to see the other places and theatre; it gave me a much better view of the arts overall
Young Reviewer
Voice Outreach got me out of my safe comfort zone and experiencing new types of art
Young Reviewer
It definitely helped my confidence, especially with regards to writing
Young Reviewer
We were delighted to receive reviews from young participants and the producers of the show reviewed really appreciated the views of a younger audience.
Arts Alive
This project is brilliant and has also supported a stronger link between the partner organisations. Everyone benefits from young reviewers.”
The Voice Outreach team were very supportive throughout and I would definitely recommend this project to others
Trent Bridge Community Trust
A quality project, run by a quality organisation.
New Vic Theatre
We would definitely like to continue supporting
Theatre Severn