The Big House

Who we are

Through drama and tailored long-term support, The Big House helps care leavers to overcome traumas experienced in childhood so they can make the complex transition from looked-after child to independent adult. The Big House's main activities are: weekly drop-in drama and employment workshops and the 3-month Open House Project which runs twice yearly.

Through our work we have seen the transformational effect that drama can have on at-risk young people’s lives. The strict discipline required to produce professional theatre imparts vital transferable skills including time keeping, focus, team working, effective communication, ability to regulate emotions and make better informed decisions; empowering and equipping the young people with the skills needed to become self-reliant. We have found drama to be an excellent tool for engaging young people in the project, bringing them from the margins to the centre of society. Since being established in November 2012, The Big House has gone from start-up to an award-winning charity.

Our culture and values

The Big House is now a dynamic community of over 500 young people. 

Our members work at Netflix, BBC, and Amazon. TBH fights endlessly to improve access to opportunities, targeting the public sector, health services, hospitality and events, as well as the creative industry.  Our young people are leading voices in their fields, striving for social change.

And some engage with us for more than ten years. They continue to join our workshops, in-house opportunities, celebrate together and mentor their peers. 

“I now feel so powerful, so sure of who I am and what I want” – TBH Member

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Big House aims to create a diverse and inclusive working environment which reflects the young people and communities that we engage with. We welcome applications from all groups, especially those underrepresented in the arts, and actively encourage those from diverse backgrounds to apply.