NT Connections is a festival of new plays involving over 200 youth theatres and schools across the UK to produce new work and experience professional theatre in conjunction with NT practitioners and partner theatres. In March 2015, the trustees of the Foundation awarded the National Theatre a grant over 3 years towards the NT Connections Festival. This funding will allow the NT to double their inclusion fund supporting groups demonstrating a financial or geographical barrier to participate and prioritising those who have a lack of access to creative opportunities, high levels of deprivation or significant NEET members. Participants aged 13-19 experience all aspects of theatre making; design, marketing, lighting, sound, directing, stage management and acting.