Since 2012, balletLORENT has been proud to bring something truly distinctive to stages across the UK: our Young Cast.
On every national tour of our fairytale productions, we partner with local primary schools near each theatre, delivering free workshops for pupils and engaging directly with the community. From these schools, we then select a group of children to take part in the production and perform on stage—often for the very first time in their lives. None of them are trained dancers, and that’s exactly the point. Their presence is central to a balletLORENT production and is a key part of what makes our work unique: storytelling dance theatre that blends professional performance with real local children on stage.
For Artistic Director Liv Lorent, casting children is an essential part of the creative vision. She sees them not as extras, but as vital performers whose honesty, spontaneity, and natural energy bring emotional truth to the stage. Their presence makes the worlds we create feel more alive, more human, and more immediate—something that trained performance alone cannot replicate. It also reflects a deeper belief in access and inclusion, opening the doors of professional theatre to children who might never otherwise step onto a stage.
To date, we’ve worked with over 800 children aged 6–10 in our stage performances, and almost 8,000 children have taken part in our free creative workshops delivered by our professional dancers in schools across the country.
Most recently, during our Snow White tour in Spring 2026 (Salford, Leeds, Dundee, Kirkcaldy, and Glasgow), we created a brand-new Young Cast in each city, working closely with local primary schools in each area.
For many of the children involved, it’s their first experience of a theatre—let alone performing on a professional stage. The impact is immediate and powerful: working alongside professional performers, and discovering what it feels like to be part of a balletLORENT production.
From dancing with balloons in a maypole, to becoming forest creatures, to making joyful entrances on scooters, they bring a spark and spontaneity that is unique to every performance.
This is also what makes the work so special for audiences. Seeing local children from their own communities on stage creates a powerful sense of connection and authenticity. It brings warmth, unpredictability, and real emotional resonance—audiences often describe it as one of the most memorable and moving parts of the show.
As our Education Manager James MacGillivray says:
“Being part of a balletLORENT production gives children a real sense of achievement and belonging. For many, it’s their first time in a theatre and on stage, and you can see how quickly their confidence grows. They arrive unsure and leave with pride, creativity, and a belief in what they can do.”
A partner primary school involved in the project said:
“Working with balletLORENT has had a huge impact on our pupils. It builds confidence, teamwork, and aspiration, and gives children experiences they would never otherwise have. Seeing them perform on a professional stage is unforgettable—for them, their families, and our staff.”
Beyond the performance, the experience often stays with them. Some discover a love of performing and the arts, while all leave with a real boost in confidence, creativity, and self-belief—something we see as one of the most important parts of our work.
