The Forge: Kidderminster

Across April to June 2026, 18 young people attending YMCA youth club at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Kidderminster took part in a creative programme shaped by their own interests and ideas. The project began with participants sharing what they would like to explore creatively. Theatre and performing arts emerged as the group's main interest, leading to a series of weekly workshops with director and facilitator Lee Farley. 

Through a mix of icebreakers, confidence-building activities, storytelling, improvisation, and movement exercises, young people were encouraged to express themselves, work together, and develop their performance skills. Lee created a warm environment where participants felt comfortable trying new things and stepping outside of their comfort zones. As the project progressed, the group worked collaboratively to devise and rehearse their own pieces. 

As not everyone wanted to be on stage, filmmaker James Silvanus delivered four media production sessions to a dedicated media group. This group learned filmmaking skills, including camera operation, interview techniques, and shot composition. They documented the group's journey through filmed interviews and candid footage which was edited into a short ‘hype video’.  

Friends, family, YMCA staff, and Severn Arts representatives attended the final showcase. The event featured a screening of the hype video, original performances created by the theatre group, a solo guitar performance from one participant, and a final group dance.  

A week later an awards ceremony was held and certificates and trophies given out to commemorate the progress they all made. The project gave young people the opportunity to develop creative, technical, and performance skills while building confidence and forming stronger relationships with their peers.