Unanima Youth Performance Academy

Unanima’s Youth Performance Academy is a FREE creative development programme for learning disabled, and autistic young people aged 16–19.

Overview

UYPA is a FREE creative development programme for learning disabled, and autistic young people aged 16–19.

Through weekly workshops, mentoring, performance opportunities and industry-led training, the Academy helps young people develop their artistic skills, confidence and creative voice in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Participants explore theatre, movement, music, and storytelling while building friendships, improving communication skills and gaining experience of working collaboratively.

The Academy provides a progression pathway for young people who want to pursue further training, employment or a lifelong engagement in the arts, ensuring that emerging artists are supported to realise their potential and contribute to a more diverse and representative cultural sector.

What will participants do?

  • Explore theatre, performance and creative expression
  • Build confidence and communication skills
  • Work alongside professional artists and facilitators
  • Meet other young people with similar interests
  • Develop skills that can support future education and training opportunities
  • Take part in exciting creative projects and performances
  • Become part of a supportive community of learning disabled and autistic young artists

At Unanima, we are passionate about ensuring that learning disabled and autistic people have access to high-quality artistic opportunities and clear progression routes beyond education. We know that many talented young people leave college with a desire to continue creating, performing and developing their skills, and we are committed to helping make that possible.

Times and availability

Tuesday 4.45pm - 6.15pm @ Create Theatre.

Mansfield Term time only

Contact

For more details please email info@unanima.uk

Address

Unanima Youth Performance Academy
Create Theatre
West Notts College. Derby Road
Mansfield
Notts
NG18 5BH
UK
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Inclusion

Supporting

  • Autism
  • Global Development Delay
  • Learning Disability / Difficulties

Special needs (adults)

Has provisionYes

This programme is for learning disabled and autistic young people aged 16-19

Special needs (children)

Has provisionYes

This programme is for learning disabled and autistic young people aged 16-19

Wheelchair access

Has provisionYes

The venue is wheelchair friendly

Gallery

Unanima is an artist development organisation for learning disabled and autistic people. Our vision is:

Culture cannot thrive until everyone can create it.

Our mission is:

We develop artists, create extraordinary cultural experiences, and challenge who gets seen, heard, and valued in culture.

Posed shot of performers from a Unanima show
Image of performers during an activity

Last updated: 16 September 2026