The rivers and us: future voices

Creative workshop for young people

What kind of future do we want for York's rivers?

Part of York Environment Festival 2026, this event invites participants to explore connections between rivers, nature, communities and future generations. Drawing inspiration from the York rivers trail, this creative workshop invites young people to explore the relationship between rivers, climate resilience, nature and community through storytelling, discussion and performance.

Participants will be encouraged to share their own perspectives, develop creative responses and explore how young people can help shape a more sustainable and resilient future for York's rivers, communities and natural environment. Through writing, character creation and collaborative activities, the workshop will explore how individual and collective action can help shape a more resilient future for people and nature.

Booking information:

• Suitable for young people aged 13+. No previous drama or performance experience is required.
• Capacity is limited to 10 participants to allow time for discussion, creative development and performance. 
• The workshop is designed for young people aged 13+ to participate independently, although parents and carers are expected to remain on site.
  
• Set within Rowntree 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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