Netflix and National Youth Theatre Renew IGNITE Your Creativity Programme for a Fourth Year

Netflix today announced the return of the IGNITE Your Creativity programme, in partnership with the National Youth Theatre, for a fourth year.

The programme equips young people who want to work in film and TV with the knowledge, skills and connections to build their networks and confidence. This year, IGNITE takes a four nations approach, bringing free workshops spotlighting careers in the creative industries, to Sheffield, Belfast, Glasgow and North Wales.

Now entering its fourth year, IGNITE has now reached 4,500 young people across the UK, offering free, practical workshops that explore the wide range of creative roles behind the screen, connect young people facing barriers to access with industry experts, and give them the chance to visit sets and get hands-on experience. Graduates have gone on to work professionally in TV, film, theatre and content creation productions, win short film festivals and film with world leading talent including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Kate Winslet.

The renewal follows National Youth Theatre’s 70th anniversary celebrations, including Letters to My Younger Future Self at the Royal Festival Hall in September, which Netflix supported. The show, which was in part produced by IGNITE participants, brought together alumni, some of the UK’s foremost actors and writers, and National Youth Theatre members for a night of hilarious stories, dark secrets and sage advice.

Participants from this year's programme will follow in the footsteps of alumni from the target regions this year include The Fall star Valene Kane from Northern Ireland, Toxic Town and Karen Pirie star Lauren Lyle from Glasgow, Black Mirror star Gweneth Keyworth from Wales, and Agents of Shield star Elizabeth Henstridge from Sheffield.

Anne Mensah, VP of UK Content, Netflix said: ‘What joy that in year four of IGNITE we are going to all four nations! Continuing to work with the National Youth Theatre, we want young people across the whole of the UK to see that a creative career is within their reach.’

Paul Roseby OBE, CEO & Artistic Director, National Youth Theatre, said: 'We’re proud to be marking 70 years of storytelling with young people by extending this career sparking opportunity to all four nations. The challenge youth unemployment presents is great, but so is the creative potential of young people around the UK. We’re very grateful to Netflix for helping us meet this challenge. Collaborating with a global industry leader gives aspiration and hope to those who need these opportunities more than ever.’

About IGNITE Your Creativity IGNITE Your Creativity has previously delivered activity in Birmingham, Corby, Coventry, Dagenham, Glasgow, Newcastle, South Wales, Sunderland, West Yorkshire, and North Somerset.

The programme’s approach to reaching young people facing barriers to access has been shortlisted for the Innovators in Engagement award at the 2026 National Arts and Culture Education Awards. The approach includes free workshops in community settings and schools, mentoring with local industry professionals and backstage tours at film studios and leading theatres. All participants access a national network of creative opportunities with NYT, including working on large-scale theatrical productions, films and with high-profile talent.