The rivers and us: stories in motion

Join us for a creative family workshop inspired by York's rivers, communities and changing environment. Part of York Environment Festival 2026, this event invites participants to explore connections between rivers, nature, communities and future generations.

Using storytelling, imagination and performance activities, families will explore how York's rivers shape local communities and help create healthy and resilient environments for people and nature. Inspired by themes from the York rivers trail, participants will create characters, stories and short performances that respond to water, flooding and the people who work and live alongside our rivers.

The workshop encourages families to learn and create together, share ideas and imagine positive futures for York's rivers and the natural world around them. It will utilise skills used in script writing and performance.

Booking information:

• Suitable for families with children aged 5+. No previous drama or performance experience is required.
• This workshop is designed for families to participate together. Capacity is limited to 20 people in total, including both children and accompanying adults. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Activities are designed to encourage family groups to create, explore and take part together.
• Set withinRowntree Park, the amphitheatre is near the southern tennis courts and recreation field (Millennium Bridge side).

This workshop will be led by Jacob Ward, an actor and director with 17 years experience. He studied at The Oxford School of Drama and has experience acting on stages such as: Soho Theatre, York Theatre Royal, Hull Truck and Leeds Grand. He has directed for theatre companies in York and Newcastle with productions at York Theatre Royal and Northern Stage. He has produced, directed and acted in short films, and acted in features.

He is a practicing actor with a passion for the craft of acting, and, by extension, for communication and connecting people.

He previously read Biomedical Science at Imperial College London and worked at The Centre For Life; he learned the value of communication in science and practiced giving lectures in a way that was palatable to a wider audience.

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