northerngap has been formed with three main aims in mind:

• To give performance experience to talented and committed gap year students
• To give these students the opportunity to work in professional venues
• To provide performance opportunity for new and emerging playwrights

northerngap has been set up by Helen Avouris, a Director and Drama teacher with many years experience, particularly in 6th form education.

The original idea for the company was conceived as a result of the talent and enthusiasm of a number of post A Level students, who wished to spend their gap year producing professional quality theatre, prior to Drama School or University entry.

Company members are aged between 18 and 25. (Occasional guest actors are invited in when a particular piece requires an older or younger character that cannot be represented by a member of the company for artistic reasons.)

Our aim is to produce 2 or 3 productions a year, which will tour around the North West circuit, and also to festivals, such as the Buxton or Edinburgh Fringe. Our performances are high quality, but relatively low-tech and therefore suitable for a variety of venues.

We work with lesser-known, contemporary playwrights, and want to encourage new writers to let us premiere their plays.

We actively seek support and sponsorship from a variety of sources. Please contact us if you are interested.

Our patron is actor Michael Sheen whose advice and encouragement was instrumental in the setting up of the company. He continues to support us whenever possible.