Huge thanks to the team at the Exeter Northcott Theatre who hosted the Devising Discovery Platform event yesterday. This programme is a partnership between Doorstep Arts, Exeter Northcott, the University of Exeter Widening Participation programme, and the Applied Theatre course at the University of Exeter Drama Department. On Saturday 15 Feb, 50 students from 6 schools across South Devon took to the stage, performing their own original devised work, with support from Lead Artists and Applied Theatre students from the University of Exeter. This outreach programme worked with 11 Devon schools this year, reaching over 300 students in secondary and FE drama classes. Yesterday was a delight from start to finish – we loved watching their incredible work, and left feeling inspired & awe-struck by their focus, professionalism, and creativity. What a joy this partnership programme is!
Huge congratulations to the students from St Cuthbert Mayne, Clyst Vale College, ISCA Academy, Paignton Academy and Torquay Girls Grammar School who represented and performed original pieces at the Platform yesterday! We also loved watching the excerpt performance of ‘I Love My AI Boyfriend’ created by Exeter College Performing Arts Academy which featured at this year’s Platform.
During the morning, participants get a chance to rehearse at Roborough Studios – state of the art rehearsal studios which are part of the Department of Communications, Drama and Film at the University of Exeter. These rehearsals give a realistic sense of what it is like to study Drama at the university level, and uni students are on hand throughout the day to chat and answer questions about this too.
This outreach is possible because of generous support from the University of Exeter Widening Participation programme, as well as match funding from Arts Council England, and it thrives and is able to reach a wide number of schools because of the hard work of the students on the DRA2026 Applied Drama module at the University of Exeter.
This programme welcomes a range of performance material and celebrates work which is wholly and entirely created by the students who take part. Their originality, imaginative ideas, and strong performance skills shine brightly.
The final Platform showcases this work, creating an opportunity for students to meet other students from other schools, to perform on a professional stage, and to learn more about aspirational youth theatre opportunities.
The Exeter Northcott technical team provide invaluable support on the day, mentoring and supporting participants to learn technical theatre skills. Each piece gets a chance to have a professional technical rehearsal on the stage, and this really brings special element to the final performances.
The 2025 Lead Artist team featured Lee Hart, Mich Sanderson, Abby Stobart, Jade Campbell, Polly Ferguson-Carruthers, Sian Keen, and Helen Gilbert. What a powerhouse crew – these experienced Teaching Artists bring a wealth of experience and artistic craft to the outreach programme. Their warmth, camaradarie and positive energy is infectious.
Now in its 14th year, this programme continues to surprise us, bringing new connections, forging new relationships with incredible drama teachers based at our regional secondary schools. Each year brings a renewed sense of the importance of making safe spaces to encourage risk-taking, building confidence and nurturing the next generation of performers, artists and change-makers.
Huge thanks to all who took part in 2025… we’re already looking ahead to next year!
