About Pilot theatre
Pilot Theatre is a York-based company, creating and delivering theatre and digital projects nationally and internationally. Known as creators of high-quality performances for younger audiences, we are many people’s first encounter with professional theatre. Our mission is to create an inspiring cultural space where young people, especially teenagers, can encounter, express, and interrogate big ideas, which are shaping the world around them right now.
We tell extraordinary international and diverse stories, platforming some of the most contemporarily relevant authors and artists, that open new worlds and ways of seeing for young people. We align our work with the interests and identity of our target audience of young people (11 – 25) by presenting stories with young protagonists to reflect the lives of our core audience.
All our projects are supported by learning resources and a creative learning and participation programme for schools and young people.
Pilot is led by Esther Richardson (Artistic Director) and Mandy Smith (Executive Producer):
The cast of Crongton Knights. Photogrpahy by Robert Day
Why Drama Matters
Participating in Drama develops self-expression, confidence and self-esteem, and builds our capacity for empathy. Understanding the different lives people lead enables us to reflect on our own experiences and also to value and respect our differences. Making theatre is collaborative and requires people to support each other – it fosters team-building, friendship, and communication skills.
Theatre and Drama is part of the rich cultural heritage of our nation, and also helps us to understand other cultures from around the world. It gives voice to new stories, alternative perspectives and creates a safe space to explore challenging ideas.
Drama is interdisciplinary, complementing a diverse range of other subjects, and can also be applied to many different aspects of the curriculum. For some young people, the classroom is their sole opportunity to access drama, theatre and creativity; we know that Drama teachers are enablers, creating new possibilities in young people’s lives.
Beyond the inspiring work which takes place inside the classroom, the experience of live theatre connects students with cultural spaces, which plays an important societal and civic function. Live theatre is a shared, communal activity, bringing people together!
Why Pilot Are Patrons
Pilot recognises and values the hugely important role Drama teachers play in inspiring young people and developing their creativity.
The peer-support, knowledge-sharing and professional development offered by National Drama is essential to ensure that the specialised work of teaching Drama continues to be high-quality. Drama teachers may feel isolated if they are a ‘one-person department’, so the opportunity to support each other through this network is very reassuring and revitalising.
Subject Associations are vital in representing the experiences of teachers and educators, and in advocating for their subject. The discipline of Drama deserves a strong subject association, which, should be supported by the wider theatre sector.
We believe in the power of collaboration, between teachers and theatre-makers, between theatre companies and education settings – we are delighted to support National Drama in their work.
We wholeheartedly support the view that Drama should have equal status with other arts subjects, and that every child should have the entitlement to an annual live theatre experience.