Artist Development 

Supporting theatre making in the New Forest. 

For over 40 years Forest Forge has been at the forefront of the creative life of the New Forest.  Using our resources, expertise, connections and enthusiasm we support theatremakers and theatre facilitators to create and share their work in the New Forest.  

Unless otherwise stated, all artist development sessions take place at our base, at Pintail House, Duck Island Lane, Ringwood, BH24 3AA.  

Young Company (ages 18 – 25)


The Young Company is a group of emerging theatre makers age 18 – 25.  Each year we provide the group with the information, contacts and support they need to create their own theatre company and to present work on a professional footing.  Ideally suited to those who are taking a gap year before university or drama school or those who have returned and want to spread their creative wings, our Young Company can provide an important introduction to the theatre industry.  

Sessions take place in three 10-week terms. We welcome new members at any stage throughout the year. 

Wednesdays, 7.30pm – 9.30pm.  

£50 per term or equivalent time given back to Forest Forge on a voluntary basis. 

To join Young Company please contact Jo@forestforgetheatre.co.uk 

The Furnace – Where connections are forged


The Furnace is an artist development network, managed and supported by Forest Forge. Held at our base in Ringwood the three sessions per year offer local theatre makers and theatre artists the chance to get together, share information, chat about ideas and make connections. Every session is infused with Forest Forge’s sense of fun and adventure, so we begin with a game. There are also chances to hear from local specialists and funders and always time to meet new people, find out how projects link up and potentially create future partnerships. We are always interested in hearing from The Furnace members about what they’d like to see and hear and try to be responsive to that too.  

The Furnace is designed for theatre makers and theatre artists in the New Forest, Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. It’s a great place to make local theatre connections and is a great place to introduce yourself to Forest Forge. 

The next Furnace will take place on 

Wednesday 26 February 2025, 7.30pm – 9.30pm  

At Pintail House 

Please contact Jo@forestforgetheatre.co.uk to reserve your space.  

Mentoring and Support

We want the New Forest to be an exciting hub of creative activity. We are happy to offer support, mentoring and advice to theatre makers. From dramaturgical support to directing productions or providing advice on touring to rural venues, we are interested in working with a range of theatre makers and helping to make more happen in our region. 

Facilitator Support 

Workshop facilitators are a vital but often underappreciated part of the theatre industry. They are often the initial gatekeeper into theatre making, especially for children and young people. Our Artist Development programmes see us providing support and training to facilitators with the same dedication we show to those creating productions.  

Creative Collaborations 

We love working with theatre makers who share our values and approach.  From co-productions with companies who share our values to creative projects with designers, filmmakers, musicians, puppeteers and visual artists, anything is possible! 

Recent Creative Collaborators include  
Bumblefly TheatreMischievous Theatre |Lizzie Watts 

Rehearsal Space Hire 

Forest Forge is based in Ringwood, on the edge of the New Forest. Our studio space is available to hire to theatre companies who need daytime or holiday rehearsal space.

Please contact hello@forestforgetheatre.co.uk for availability and price enquiries.  

Workshop Hire 

From 2025, Forest Forge will have a new technical workshop available to hire for set building, painting and prop making.  

Please contact hello@forestforgetheatre.co.uk for further details.  

We are always interested to hear ideas, collaborate and do
our best to contribute to the lively cultural life of our region.