In the space provided below, please insert a general account of the company’s activities in the financial year to which the report relates, including a description of how they have benefited the community. Platform Theatre Arts continued to provide quality and affordable youth theatre provision focusing on developing both drama, performance and associated life skills in a friendly and inclusive environment for young people and those with additional needs. In September we re-focused our provision due to demand and financial considerations to streamline and offer provision to young people aged between 13 and 25 years. We also saw a change in director, with Jacqueline Johnson joining the company, whose experience of running a not-for-profit youth focused company and extensive work with young people has been a valuable asset in our on-going development as an organisation. During the financial year we have: - Worked with 20 young people. -Our public performances were watched by 557 audience members. -Produced 4 public performances in a variety of venues in Essex including a community venue, three professional theatre spaces; Clifftown Theatre, Palace Theatre and The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch and an open-air performance. -Worked with 14 young people in our weekly classes of which 80% have additional needs -Run the Jack Petchey scheme, awarding 3 achievement awards and a leadership award. -Engaged with the following local organisations: Trust Links. -Took part in the prestigious National Theatre’s Connections play festival & shortlisted to perform at The National. -Run three free to attend summer drama workshops with industry professionals. 15 young people took part of which 6 were new participants. We received funding from: -Rosca Trust -Norman Garon Trust -Asda Foundation -Jack Petchey Foundation Other income included: -Termly fees -Ticket sales -Marketing sponsorship Young people have benefited from our weekly sessions and workshops by: -Increasing confidence and self esteem -Sharing creative ideas -Developing their performance skills -Making new friendships -Creating an inclusive and safe space -Taking responsibility for decisions to benefit the whole group

Platform Theatre Arts’ stakeholders are young people who engage in our weekly sessions, community organisations where we put on performances, theatre facilitators, audiences, and grant funding bodies. The directors of the company live and work in the area and developed the company in response to the need of an inclusive youth theatre that is affordable and provides regular opportunities to perform at different venues. Our young people have an active voice in shaping our shows and what skills they’d like to develop in sessions. We evaluate each term to reflect on the previous show and sessions to steer the direction of the new term. The young people have co-devised a show, allowing them to shape the themes we explore in our work. Our students were again given the opportunity to rehearse and perform a new play as part of The National Theatre Connections festival giving them the experience of working in professional venues both at home and in Hornchurch and meeting other young people involved in the festival. We have also set up a student advisory board to provide an opportunity for our young people to shape future decisions for the company which has been in place since September 2024. We have run the Jack Petchey awards scheme since October 2024, giving our young people the opportunity to nominate their peers they would like to celebrate and acknowledge for an Achievement Award. Each of our 3 award winners have received a certificate, pin badge and a book from Sir Jack himself. They have also chosen how to spend a £300 grant to benefit the group as a whole and been celebrated at an awards ceremony event where the whole group got to perform to all area winners and their guests. With funding from the Asda Foundation we have run three summer skills building workshops in voice and monologues, physical theatre and clowning and commedia with industry professionals, which our young people informed in choosing the focus of. Some feedback we have received includes: Young people have said: “Platform is a welcoming environment for everyone. We perform really good shows where everyone is involved, included and feels safe.” “I would say that it’s a welcoming place where people can make friends and also learn a bit of drama, plus get the opportunity to perform in a theatre.” Parents have said: “My son has gained so much confidence and communication skills through taking part in the theatre company which has transferred to his school lessons as well. It’s definitely good value given the life skills they achieve and the experience they gain from performing.” “My daughter’s confidence has grown a noticeable amount since starting youth theatre. Even family members have noticed the difference.” “It’s inclusive, it challenges my child and supports his development and understanding in acting and drama.“ Audiences have said: “What a fantastic show and performances by the whole team.” “The performance was so, so good. They have clearly worked so hard.” “Yesterday's performance was incredible and such a creative and fantastic idea. It was also lovely to be based at Trust Links and to be able to explore their gardens.” “Well done. I so love a promenade performance and what an interesting venue.”

The total remuneration received was £1,910 There were no other transactions or arrangements in connection with the remuneration of directors, or compensation for director’s loss of office, which require to be disclosed

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration