transform your passion for drama into Skills for the future
Peer Empowerment Pathway
The Peer's Empowerment Pathway (PEP) is a programme for young adults with SEND who share our passion for and interest in performing arts.
The programme uses drama, theatre and creativity to empower participants to develop their confidence, communication skills and abilities to work with others - building transferable skills for employment or higher education, both within and outside of the performing arts industry.
Who is this programme for?
Young people aged 18 - 25 years with SEND.
With a keen interest in drama and performing arts.
With an EHCP detailing a significant additional need.
Suited to an alternative approach to conventional education.
With the potential to become 'work ready' by end of programme.
Key Information
36 week programme per year.
3 - 3.5 days per week.
Based in central Woking.
Options for level 1, 2 or 3 in Creative & Performing Arts (RSL).
Learning is tailored to the individual and may include practical classes, classroom based learning and work experience opportunities.
how to apply
Start by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ to register your interest.
Once you’ve filled out the form a member of the PEP team will contact you and may request to see your EHCP.
If we can meet need we will invite you for an open day.
We will also have an informal chat to get to know you and invite you to participate in a practical workshop.
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Inclusive Daily Practice.
Each morning begins with ‘practice’, a time for the PEP and mainstream PAD actors to integrate and warm-up for the day ahead.
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Performing Arts Skills Training
PEP participants learn how to use their voices and bodies to express themselves. They learn how to work collaboratively as part of a creative ensemble and how to give and receive feedback.
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Industry Awareness
PEP participants develop the skills they need to better understand the performing arts sector, identify appropriate opportunities for themselves and learn how to stay safe when applying for work or attending auditions and interviews. Through a range of role-play, participants gain confidence working in different environments.
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Projects and Outreach
PEP participants have the opportunity to take part in various projects creating work to be shared with the wider community. This builds a range of skills, alongside their abilities as a performer, including communication, working as part of a team and organisation, planning and time management skills
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Qualifications
We offer a Rock School London vocational qualification in Creative Performance. Learners work towards a Level 1, 2 or 3 certificate which allows them to hone and display their theatrical skills. As part of their studies, learners work together to plan, rehearse and perform a piece of theatre, explore two Shakespearean monologues and reflect upon their practice in groups and as individuals.
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Work Experience
As a working theatre company Peer Productions is able to offer a range of ‘in house’ opportunities appropriate to the individual learner. These might include working as peer educators on our outreach Generation programmes, working as a directors assistant by keeping notes in rehearsals, or supporting our marketing team with graphic design jobs or filming social media content.
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Health and Wellbeing
Using drama as a tool for education, PEP participants learn how to manage stress in the workplace, how to communicate their needs and reasonable adjustments as well as how to stay safe online, in their personal relationships and in the workplace..
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Life Skills
Learner's will develop skills in budgeting and using money. They will practice skills in the kitchen (using the kettle and microwave) and travel skills.
Meet the Peer Empowerment pathway staff team
Our Prospectus
Use the smart-reader above to flip through our digital prospectus for the PEP course, or download a copy for yourself via the button below.
Meet the Peer Empowerment pathway company 2025/26
More brilliant actors to follow as they get their headshots and prepare their bios.
Still have questions?
If you have any further questions you would like to discuss before registering your interest, or if there is something else you would like to discuss - please get in touch via the contact details listed below, or fill out the form opposite.