Diverse Voices Launches DVSS: A 24-Week Saturday Drama School Programme for Young People in London
A new youth arts education initiative empowering the next generation of diverse creatives.
Diverse Voices is proud to announce the launch of Diverse Voices of Stage and Screen (DVSS) – a bold new theatre and film programme for young people in London. Now well underway, this 24-week Saturday drama school is more than just a weekend commitment – it’s a platform for creative expression, professional development, and powerful storytelling.
Our first location hub launched in March 2025 in Waltham Forest! DVSS is a free drama school programme designed to remove barriers to arts training for young people aged 13 – 16 from underrepresented communities across Greater London. And just a few weeks in, the impact is already undeniable.
What is DVSS?
DVSS is a professionally led drama school experience delivered every Saturday during term time, with a focus on acting for stage and screen. Participants are immersed in a structured, high-energy programme where they learn the craft of acting, develop original work, and explore the social power of storytelling through both theatre and film.
The programme covers:
Acting techniques for stage and camera
Improvisation and devising
Scene work and script analysis
Voice and movement
Storytelling for film and digital platforms
Industry insights and guest artist masterclasses
It’s not only about performance – it’s about giving young people the tools to find and amplify their voices, while building confidence, resilience, and creative autonomy.
A powerful start
From day one, DVSS has been met with extraordinary energy and enthusiasm. Week 1 set the tone with a dynamic mix of warm-ups, creative exploration and group devising. Each session since has built upon that foundation – with young people working collaboratively, stretching their creative boundaries, and already producing work that is bold, personal and inspiring.
“DVSS is so much fun – we get to be ourselves, try new things, and actually make something that matters.”— DVSS Participant, Aged 14
With strong and consistent attendance, DVSS is already proving there is a real appetite for youth arts education initiatives that are inclusive, ambitious and accessible.
In the current climate, high-quality arts training can be out of reach for many young people due to cost, access, or lack of representation. DVSS directly addresses this gap by providing a free drama school programme that’s rooted in diversity, inclusion and excellence.
This initiative isn’t just about skills development – it’s about redressing imbalance in the industry pipeline. Too often, the voices that reach our stages and screens don’t reflect the breadth of talent or experience across our communities. DVSS is changing that, one story at a time.
Join us in supporting the next generation
Diverse Voices invites schools, partners, funders and arts organisations to support this pioneering programme. There are many ways to get involved:
Partner with us to refer students
Sponsor a creative hub to be launched in a new location
Fund the creation of original films and performances
Offer masterclasses, mentorship, or work experience opportunities
“This is only the beginning. We want DVSS to grow into a flagship programme for creative equity – and we need your support to get there.”
— Dwayne Gumbs, Diverse Voices Founder
Looking ahead
As we move through the 24-week programme, participants will work towards an end-of-programme short film. This culmination will be an opportunity for young people to share their work with family, peers and industry professionals. It’s more than just a short film – it’s a celebration of everything they’ve learned, and a window into the future of diverse British storytelling, with their stories at the heart of it.
Want to get involved?
Whether you're a teacher with a student who would benefit, a funder looking to support creative equity, or a parent interested in future cohorts, we want to hear from you HERE.
Diverse Voices of Stage and Screen (DVSS) is a bold new chapter in our commitment to inclusive, high-impact youth arts education initiatives. By investing in young people’s creativity now, we’re shaping a future where every voice is heard – and every story has a stage.
