Rising Stars Youth Theatre Seniors originated from our Arts Leaders Project completed in 2010. It has evolved to become a youth-led drama group for 15 - 19 year olds based in Dagenham. The group develop their drama skills and perform but also develop their leadership skills as they facilitate workshops for other people who are not involved in the project and also community members.

We create situations where participants can see themselves in a positive light and grow in confidence, to see themselves as active and empowered young people and to create opportunities for their families to see them in a positive light. We believe that bringing people together as we do can create greater cohesion and we encourage young people to be proud of their background and confident of who they are. GSA creates opportunities for young people to achieve.

Members build confidence, gain experience of facilitating workshops and learn more about the drama and creative industries including project and production management. They gain accreditation up to a Gold Arts Award (which carries UCAS points), take part in a work-based placement, gain career advice and are supported in their next steps post-16 education. Many past members have gone on to college to study Theatre Arts, and continue to volunteer/ work as workshop facilitators.