Choose a gift size and see exactly what it makes possible

Hackney Shed runs Children’s Theatre, Youth Theatre and Collective Theatre as well as other creative projects for young people of different ages and experiences. To run each session safely and inclusively, there are real costs involved including trained staff, accessible materials, venues and safeguarding.

Your donation helps cover these costs and ensures young people can take part in theatre in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.

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“The best thing is that we have a proper theatre, with lights and costumes and musicians and everything, so when we do a show it feels like a real show, not just kids.”
— Participant

Small gifts (£10–£150) 

£10 – One volunteer DBS check (safeguarding) 

£30 – Print scripts + visual scripts for one cast (30 young people) 

£49.50 – One staff DBS check (safeguarding) 

£96.20 – Two assistant facilitators for one evening session (London Living Wage) 

£145 – Venue hire for one evening session 

Medium gifts (£300–£820) 

£300 – Plan + deliver one staff training session (safeguarding + inclusive practice) 

£350 – Venue hire for one full-day session 

£577.20 – One assistant facilitator providing access support across a 12-week term 

£687 – Fund one weekly evening Children’s/Youth Theatre session (full cost) 

£820 – Insurance for one year 

Large gifts (£1,500+) 

£1,500 – Set/costume designer for a cast of 30–40 young people 

£3,000 – Accounts + independent examination for one year (Charity Commission requirement) 

£5,000 – Office + storage space for one year 

    • £10 – One volunteer DBS check (safeguarding) 

    • £30 – Print scripts + visual scripts for one cast (30 young people) 

    • £49.50 – One staff DBS check (safeguarding) 

    • £96.20 – Two assistant facilitators for one evening session (London Living Wage) 

    • £145 – Venue hire for one evening sessio

    • £300 – Plan + deliver one staff training session (safeguarding + inclusive practice) 

    • £350 – Venue hire for one full-day session 

    • £577.20 – One assistant facilitator providing access support across a 12-week term 

    • £687 – Fund one weekly evening Children’s/Youth Theatre session (full cost) 

    • £820 – Insurance for one year 

    • £1,500 – Set/costume designer for a cast of 30–40 young people 

    • £3,000 – Accounts + independent examination for one year (Charity Commission requirement) 

    • £5,000 – Office + storage space for one year 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CURRENT PROJECTS

What People Say About Hackney Shed

Testimonials

It's non competitive and encourages cooperation, collaboration and celebration of people's differing strengths.

Hackney Shed doesn't just support children and young people the benefits spill over to parents and carers too, especially around well being, knowing the 'shed' members are being well catered for.

“Hackney Shed provides a unique service to communities across Hackney which is financially accessible (unlike others). It's format is vital in respect of social cohesion and providing space for the development of young people in a way which is non judgemental and inclusive”

A really fun drama space where you could feel safe and comfortable expressing ideas. I've met so many cool people I wouldn't have without this.

Hackney Shed is a marvellous, shining example of genuine, meaningful inclusion.

“It is a rare and valuable opportunity to meet and make friends, socialise, develop his independence and feel rightly proud of himself”

“Hackney Shed is great and continues to wow - great for kids and parents.”

“Great energy. Inclusive for all. Creative teaching which allows children/young people opportunities to gain confidence”

"The best thing is that we have a proper theatre, with lights and costumes and musicians and everything, so when we do a show it feels like a real show, not just kids.”

"Hackney Shed enriches my child's life on so many levels. She is not only learning theatre skills, but so much more. She is learning about community and co-operation, and is gaining in confidence and self-worth."

"As a parent with a child with special needs I value the inclusivity over and above everything. This is from the point of view both of how good it is for him to feel included and valued but also from the point of view of my other two children who are able to see him and others with special needs being on an equal footing."

"We have been Hackney residents for nearly 20 years and have been very proud to find such an excellent opportunity for all children right on our doorstep."