Young Associates

Super-charging futures with a group of exceptional youngsters

Initiated in 2023, Young Associates is a 3-year programme for those aged 14 plus with a goal, obsession, or an itch to scratch. Our invitation is simple: tell us what you want to do and together we’ll make it happen.

Thanks to funding from HPC Community Fund, we’re co-building imaginative packages of support with aspiring young artists to give them more advanced, hands-on experience across all aspects of professional performance-making.

For some, this means reaching beyond West Somerset’s borders to access specialist training, mentorship or national arts organisations, experienced from the inside out. For others, it can be about practical help to get an idea off the ground, fund travel or buy equipment.

Ultimately, the programme is about vital companionship through a formative part of a life where beliefs are forged or broken. Together, we are literally super-charging futures.

Dance
Choreography
Artistic Direction
Design
Film
Technical Production

Find out more

Sarah Shorten Artistic Director
sarah@stackedwonky.com
07905 961436

Supported by

  • “Stacked Wonky build skills in, and the self-esteem of, young people in West Somerset, working closely with local colleges and schools to share knowledge”

    Amelia Thompson, Senior Programmes Manager, Somerset Community Foundation

  • "Not being able to study Drama GCSE or A Level locally has certainly had an impact. But where drama hasn’t been, Stacked Wonky has"

    Benjamin, Young Associate

Associate journeys

  • A skilled singer and performer, supported to widen his experience of dance training beyond Somerset borders.

    Successfully auditioned for the National Youth Dance Company 2023/24. Watch NYDC trailer here.

    Winner of Pride of Somerset Youth Arts & Culture Award 2024.

  • Parkour specialist and "4 Minutes" performer, receiving mentorship and financial support to buy equipment and hone his unique ability to combine free running and dance.

  • Brilliant performer, improviser, director and magician. Targeting a performing arts degree in 2024/25. Supported to access work experience at Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre. Recently directed "You Don't Know Either", selected as one of only 9 new works to be performed on Sadler's Wells main stage in July 2024 as part of the Making Moves National Platform.

  • Influential maker and performer in "We Come Before You" and "You Don't Know Either" with an ambition to join the National Youth Dance Company in 2025/26. Supported to co-devise a programme of specialist dance training to achieve her goal, including attendance at NYDC’s Summer School 2023.

  • Self-taught lighting/sound designer and technician with many suitcases of equipment. Supported to shadow industry specialists, including freelance lighting designer, Millie Hawkes, to widen his knowledge base. Referred onwards to support community productions.