Throughout May and June 2022, the Millennium’s Youth Forum, led by the Millennium Forum’s Education Officer, Mags Anderson and Ulster University Drama students alongside Dr Jen Goddard, have been collaborating on the Step Into Your Future project. Funded through Ulster’s Widening Access Ambassador programme, this series of six workshops have allowed Millennium Forum Youth Forum members and Ulster students to explore drama techniques such as image work, storytelling, improvisation and voice work to create a short performance. The core aim of the project was to enable young people to develop a sense of confidence by engaging with drama in Higher Education and to develop stronger links between the Drama Department at the University and the Creative Engagement Development team at the Millennium Forum.

Ulster University’s Widening Access Ambassador Programme, co-ordinated by Anne Mooney, Community Engagement explains:

“We are delighted to support the partnership between Dr Jen Goddard, Drama students and members of the Millennium’s Youth Forum. This exciting collaboration between Ulster students and young Forum Ambassadors allows them to share their experiences of the arts and to explore opportunities available at our Magee campus.”

Mags Anderson, Education & Schools Marketing Officer at the Millennium Forum, added:

“In an effort to deepen links with our local education and community outreach activities, the Millennium Forum and Youth Forum (made up entirely of young volunteers), were delighted to partner with the University Of Ulster’s Drama Department for Step Into Your Future. Our Youth Forum have all been instrumental in helping with our InterAct Youth Arts Festival and work hard to inspire and inform the Millennium Forum regarding our youth activities. They act as ambassadors to other young people, so a collaboration with UU Drama to develop aspirations in higher level drama courses was an excellent fit. The recent showcase on the 8th June at the Foyle Arts Centre was brilliant and the peer learning added another exciting dimension. We all look forward to continuing our newly formed collaborative partnership in the years to come.”

For more information on how your organisation can work with the award-winning team at the Millennium Forum, contact Cara McCartney, Development & Creative Engagement Manager, on 71 272785 or email caramc@millenniumforum.co.uk