White Light helps Innit for Young People create a professional theatre space for Salford’s next generation

Innit for Young People, a Salford-based arts charity, was founded in 2019 to give disadvantaged young people the chance to explore creativity and build brighter futures. Working with those who have faced adverse childhood experiences, exclusion from education, or additional needs, the charity provides a safe space where young people can discover theatre, art, and technical skills.

As part of its mission to inspire the next generation of creatives, Innit recently launched its Studio Theatre; a unique space designed to be a creative playground. Initially built from borrowed equipment and sheer determination, the theatre needed professional-grade infrastructure to deliver high-quality experiences and training. With support from Arts Council funding, Innit approached White Light (WL) to help make this vision a reality.

WL supplied and installed a complete technical solution, including truss structures, moving lights including ETC Lonestar, console, cables and an ETCnomad transforming the space into a fully equipped professional theatre. Beyond providing equipment, WL offered hands-on guidance throughout the process, ensuring the venue met industry standards while remaining accessible for young people to learn and create.

Micky Dacks, CEO of Innit for Young People, comments: “Creativity changes lives. Our theatre is more than a space; it’s a playground for imagination, where young people can learn, play, and grow. Thanks to our close relationship with Dave Clare, Technical Manager at the Lowry Theatre, and WL’s expertise and support, we’ve turned a dream into a professional environment that inspires and empowers.”

WL’s involvement reflects its commitment to technical excellence and social impact. WL’s Business Development Manager Paul Botham, who led the project, even volunteered his time to assist with installation. “It’s about more than equipment,” says Paul. “It’s about giving young people the tools to tell their stories and build futures in the creative industries.”

Micky comments on the reason why they decided to work with WL: “We chose WL because of their integrity and genuine commitment. They went above and beyond; offering a smooth, pressure-free process and even helping with installation outside their role. That level of trust and support confirmed they were the right partner.”

Innit for Young People has already seen remarkable transformations among its participants. Micky comments: “Two young people with autism and low confidence have shown significant growth through creative engagement, while a former young offender progressed from making art to volunteering and is now set to join the organisation as a paid employee.

Another participant, once banned locally for disruptive behaviour, now works with Innit on Saturdays. The theatre space has also unlocked hidden talents—such as a young person from a hard-to-engage community who created a full stage design and performed for the first time, and a youth justice attendee who revealed a passion for guitar and is preparing for a paid performance. Beyond these, alumni have moved into professional roles, including freelancing on Coronation Street and touring with major productions like Jamie the Musical, with one now pursuing a university degree in stage design.”  These stories highlight the charity’s model of turning participation into employment and its power to change lives through creativity.

For more information about Innit for Young People, please visit: innit.org.uk.

Photo courtesy of Innit for Young People.