A new scheme to get Oxford’s younger population into the theatre has been unveiled.

The Oxford Playhouse, in Beaumont Street, has been given £30,000 by the Arts Council England South East, to give free tickets to youngsters after it applied to the council’s Free Theatre initiative.

Nationally, the scheme will see 618,000 free tickets given out to those under 26 over the next two years in a bid to bring in young audiences.

The Playhouse is one of 22 theatres participating in the scheme.

Playhouse director Michelle Dickson said: “Oxford Playhouse is absolutely delighted to receive this grant, which will enable us to encourage a new generation of theatre-goers to experience live performance.

“The main focus is 18- to 26-year-olds, because that is usually when schools and families stop taking people this age to the theatre.”

The scheme begins on February 16, and will coincide with a week of activities at the theatre.

Ms Dickson said: “All the information will be on the Internet for people to see what is going on.

“Part of these events will involve having an open day, where we invite young people into the theatre to have a look around and go back stage.

“It’s important that people feel comfortable and we will also get the chance to introduce them to some of the shows and help them decide which ones they might like to see.”

Awards have been given out to theatres across the UK under three categories – premium grants of £50,000, standard grants of £30,000 and flexible grants of £10,000.

Ms Dickson said: “The great thing about this scheme is that young people and young adults will be able to look at the shows on at other theatres and go and see them.

“They aren’t just confined to seeing the plays that are on at the Oxford Playhouse.”

Arts Council England South East head of performing arts Judith Hibberd said the project was designed to reach new audiences.

She said: “At the Arts Council, we believe that the arts have the power to inspire and transform lives – which is why our mantra is great art for everyone.

“For that mission to become a reality, we must make it easy for young people to experience powerful and inspiring art, show them that the arts are for them and hopefully help create a new generation of arts audiences.”

For more information on events at Oxford Playhouse visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com.

For information on events at theatres elsewhere in the country visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/freetheatre ckearney@oxfordmail.co.uk