Youth Arts Festival Is Back!

Young Artists Festival is a week-long artist development programme for young people aged 18+

Each year we bring together around 40 actors, writers, director and stage managers for an intense, week-long festival, where we support and guide them to create a series of short play for public performance.

YAF is returning for the first time since 2022. YAF 2026 will take place between March 30th - April 4th.

Since its launch in 2015, YAF has been the springboard to creating a network of theatre artists and producers across Wales and now the UK. YAF is more than just an opportunity to hone your creative skills, but a way of forging new connections and learning how to make your own fringe theatre work. Each participant will receive a creative masterclass I their given field, but also a whole host of masterclasses and talks with wider industry professionals - from marketing and press, to working with agents. From casting directors to fundraisers. YAF will equip you with the skills you need to make your own work.

Deadline to apply is by 9th of January 2026 at midday.

The fee to participate is £120 per person to take part in the festival. This includes:

5 Industry masterclasses (at least!)
1 Creative masterclass
4 performance opportunities

Subsidised and free spaces are available for those who could not afford it otherwise.

What’s more - the box office takings for the 4 shows are split between all participants, given them a true feel of life working in ‘fringe’ theatre.

If you would like to apply – complete the form below.

The Young Artists Festival is made possible thanks to the generous support of our friends at Bad Wolf TV.