Are you 11 to 20 and into dance, theatre, music or Hip-hop?
Next Up Academy is back for 2027 with a Hip-hop spin on Alice in Wonderland.
Whether you’re an actor, lyricist, DJ, dancer, artist, MC or beat-boxer or just curious to try something new, Next Up Academy is your platform to build new skills, meet new friends and perform onstage at Wales Millennium Centre.
What’s Involved?
Next Up Academy runs between October 2026 and April 2027.
Stage 1: Next Up Academy x Matilda the Musical
October 2026 – January 2027
Kick things off with a full training day with artists from the Royal Shakespeare Company, alongside choreographer Onyx Uwandulu and theatre maker Lorien Tear.
You’ll then take part in weekly Monday sessions from October to December guided by Lorien and Onyx to devise your own ‘missing scene’ from Mathilda the Musical…but with a Hip-hop theatre twist!
You’ll also get a sharing of your scene with a small invited audience in January 2027
Stage 2: ‘Alice in Wonderland’
January – April 2027
Next, you’ll form the cast and company of Alice in Wonderland, an original Hip-hop theatre and dance production created especially for Next Up Academy.
Working alongside professional artists, DJs and breakers, you’ll help bring the story to life before performing at Wales Millennium Centre.
This stage includes:
- Weekly Monday evening rehearsals between January and March 2027
- A February Half Term Intensive: Monday to Friday, 11am – 4pm
- Production Week Rehearsals: 30 March – 2 April 2027
- A final performance at Dros Nos 2027 in the Weston Studio
Who is this for?
Anyone aged 11-20 who wants to get creative, build confidence and tell stories through Hip-hop and theatre.
Whether you're already performing or trying it for the first time, we'd love to meet you.
How do I get involved?
Join our Next Up Academy Open Day on Saturday 24 October, 11am – 4pm
Come along to:
- Meet the Next Up Academy team
- Take part in creative workshops
- Try out the different elements of Hip-hop theatre for yourself
- Find out more about the programme
How do I sign up?
Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Sign up via our Eventbrite page here: Click here
Access:
We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity.
If you would like to discuss how we can support you or have any questions, please email platfform@wmc.org.uk
ABOUT OUR PLATFFORM COURSES
Platfform is a unique training programme offering young people the platform to explore their interests, express themselves, build creative confidence, and to share their narrative through practical learning.
