National Youth Theatre Digital Accelerator Graphic

National Youth Theatre and Microsoft launch national programme to empower young creatives to use AI  

Pioneering youth arts charity National Youth Theatre (NYT) and Microsoft have teamed up to deliver a new national programme of Digital Accelerator workshops for young people.

These will equip the next generation of talent with the skills to use generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an informed and responsible way to make innovative creative content.  

The free workshops will take place in Greater Manchester, the South West, and London. Young people aged 18-30 can sign up at www.nyt.org.uk/accelerate.

Creating responsibly

Young creative entrepreneurs around the UK will benefit from 45 free workshops, which kicked off with a pilot at NYT’s award-winning Creative Production House in September 2024.

The workshops have been developed in accordance with Microsoft’s responsible AI principles and are designed to provide free access to new technologies and inspire original creative content.

Topics covered will include: how AI is currently being used in TV and film production; how new technologies can make storytelling more inclusive and accessible; and how it can be used alongside other new extended reality (XR) technologies.

Young people who have taken part so far include budding performers, lighting and sound designers, film-makers, and gaming enthusiasts.

More than four-fifths of pilot participants said they were more confident in expressing themselves with new technologies as a result of the workshops.

One participant said: “I devised in a way I’ve never devised before. It was mind-blowing. It gave me insights into tech I had never used before, which has made the possibilities of digital storytelling feel a lot more accessible.”

Ground-breaking

The free workshops will be delivered by leading creative technologists, motion capture performers, film, TV and theatre performers, and directors, alongside video and sound specialists.

The Digital Accelerator programme is being made possible thanks to support from official programme partner, Microsoft.

New technologies explored will include generative AI tools, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Augmented Reality and innovative Virtual Production techniques used across TV, film, gaming and multimedia storytelling.

The workshops have been designed to equip young creatives with the tools they need to enhance the creative process and make ground-breaking new digital work.

Transforming production 

Digital Accelerators are the latest in a series of innovation projects from National Youth Theatre, exploring the future of live storytelling.

In recent years, these have included innovative VR adaptations of stage plays; Acting for Video Games and Digital Storytelling courses; live streams exploring the common ground between gaming and live performance; and free training in the latest Virtual Production techniques that are transforming screen production.

A 2024 survey of young creatives at National Youth Theatre found that 90% were interested in taking part in a creative project involving gaming, with half gaming every week and 85% watching game live-streams. 

Reimagining creation

Paul Roseby OBE, CEO and Artistic Director, National Youth Theatre, said: “We’re looking for young creatives from around the UK to discover the future of storytelling with us and create original innovative content.

“Through a series of free workshops you’ll learn new skills that will help you take your storytelling to the next level and equip you to respond to the opportunities and challenges new technologies present.

“We’re very grateful to Microsoft for showing leadership in recognising the importance of preparing the next generation of creatives to respond to this technological revolution that affects us all.”

Hugh Milward, Head of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft UK, said: “Generative AI is revolutionising how artists and creative communities explore new ideas, reimagine new possibilities, and cut down on digital drudgery.

“Microsoft is committed to empowering people across the UK to make the most of AI’s capabilities and we are excited to see how the talented emerging creatives of the National Youth Theatre use the technology to push their ideas and craft to the next level.”