CENTRE STAGE: Students Inspired by PUSH Physical Theatre from New York
In Spring 2025, Nonsuch Studios partnered with PUSH Physical Theatre to bring world-class performance into schools and colleges across Nottinghamshire.
Since 2017, Nonsuch Studios has run its flagship programme CENTRE STAGE, which gives young people the opportunity to experience live theatre and shape what’s presented through Youth Panels across three schools. These panels help ensure the performances chosen are those that will have the greatest impact.
In March 2025, PUSH Physical Theatre travelled from Rochester, New York, to present the UK premiere of their new show GRIP. The production asks the question, “What makes a man?”, exploring identity, individuality, and the choices that shape us. By tackling themes of masculinity, stereotypes, and self-acceptance, GRIP resonated deeply with young audiences and connected them to pressing cultural and social conversations. The collaboration encouraged young people to explore complex themes while learning the artistic skills behind the work.
After the performance, company members Darren and Ashley lead workshops on physical theatre and mime. These sessions focused on using the body - gesture, movement, and expression - to create dynamic characters and convey powerful emotions. For many students, this was their first experience of such hands-on training, and it pushed them outside their comfort zones in exciting and rewarding ways.
‘I liked the different uses of physical theatre to portray important messages.’ - Student.
‘It broadened sensitive topics with comedy and used physical theatre well.’ - Student.
GRIP, along with the physical theatre workshops that followed, helped students connect real-life issues to performance and recognise the power of theatre to explore and challenge ideas. For many it was a chance to learn new skills directly from professionals in an environment they wouldn’t normally have access to.
‘Thank you for being such good teachers. I want to be an actor and found it really helpful.’ - Student.
‘Thank you for the workshops. They were really fun and I felt like I learnt a lot.’ - Student.
What’s Next?
CENTRE STAGE is entering its second year, returning to schools with even more bold and boundary-pushing theatre brought directly into classrooms.
In this new phase, the programme goes further by involving young people not only as audiences, but as co-creators of new theatre. Throughout 2025–26, Nonsuch Studios will develop brand-new work with and for young people, drawing on the voices of the hundreds we’ve collaborated with so far.
A typical CENTRE STAGE day begins with a live performance in school. Students then split into workshops with the professional artists they’ve just seen on stage. These sessions give them the chance to learn theatre-making skills, devise their own short pieces, and take part in conversations about co-production.
In October 2025 half-term, we’ll host the first CENTRE STAGE Residency, where young people will help create an entirely new show alongside Nonsuch Studios. Bursary places will be available to all participating schools. Find out more here: Show in a Week
This November we’ll return to Bilborough College, The Brunts Academy, and Nottingham Girls’ Academy, and expand to Outwood Academy Kirkby and Sutton Academy/ATTFE, where Nonsuch Studios will present a brand-new work developed during the October Residency.
CENTRE STAGE 25–26 is generously supported by Arts Council England and the Backstage Trust, ensuring young people across Nottinghamshire are placed at the very centre of the theatre-making process.
