The seven day-drama and music camps for young people aged 12 to 18* will be led by the Barnstorm team. Participants will devise and rehearse an entirely original musical that will be performed at the end of the week. Each week will have very different themes. Every participant will get the chance to write lyrics, influence the story line, develop interesting characters, choreograph movement and a whole lot more! Everyone is guaranteed a speaking part and there are no auditions, Barnstorm is hard work: the working days are from 9am – 9pm!
*Oldstorm is for 19-26 year olds.
Oldstorm - May Hill
Sunday 12th - 19th July 2026
For the first, and possibly the last time ever, there will be a Barnstorm for 19-26 year olds. This will run in the same way as Hillstorm, but with a few tweaks! (see Hillstorm info below for details) applications are via the link at the bottom of the page, but you can email Barnstorm to register your interest or ask any questions.
The performances are Friday 17th July at 8pm and Saturday 18th July at 4pm and 8pm
Directors: Tessa Kemp & Jez Taylor
Hillstorm – May Hill
Sunday 26th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026
The May Hill site is made up of May Hill Village Hall, the next door cottage and gardens of Jordans Place (home of Tessa & Jon Kemp) and the nearby Scout Field. The young people will camp in their own tents in the field and perform in the Barnstorm Stretch tent. All meals are provided.
Hillstorm will commence at 1pm on the Sunday and finish, after clearing up, at 12.00 noon on the following Sunday. All participants will go home on the Tuesday evening and return at 10.00am on Wednesday morning. No one, apart from the team will be allowed to stay on site on Tuesday night; if you think this might be a problem please mention it in good time so that arrangements can be made for you to stay with other participants. The performances are on Friday 31st July at 8pm and Saturday 1st August at 4pm and 8pm.
Directors: Tessa Kemp, Richie Dobson & Jez Taylor
Summerstorm - Slade Farm, Stroud
Sunday 2nd August – Sunday 9th August 2026
Slade Farm is the home of Sarah and Richard Kingdom and family. The young people will camp in their own tents on the farm and perform in the Barnstorm Stretch Tent. All meals are provided.
Summerstorm will commence at 1pm on the Sunday and finish, after clearing up, at 12.00 noon on the following Sunday. All participants will go home on the Tuesday evening and return at 10.00am on Wednesday morning. No one, apart from the team will be allowed to stay on site on Tuesday night; if you think this might be a problem please mention it in good time so that arrangements can be made for you to stay with other participants. The performances are on Friday 7th August at 8pm and Saturday 8th August at 4pm and 8pm.
Directors: Suki Hutcheson, Stella Kesavaram & Rob Kempner
Noxstorm – Noxon, Lydney
Sunday 9th August – Sunday 16th August 2025
Noxon is a farm near Lydney in the Forest of Dean. It is the home of Abi and Will Leabright and family. The young people will camp in their own tents on the farm and perform in the Barnstorm Stretch tent. All meals are provided.
Noxstorm will commence at 1pm on the Sunday and finish, after clearing up, at 12.00 noon on the following Sunday. All participants will go home on the Tuesday evening and return at 10.00am on Wednesday morning. No one, apart from the team will be allowed to stay on site on Tuesday night; if you think this might be a problem please mention it in good time so that arrangements can be made for you to stay with other participants. The performances are on Friday 14th at 8pm and Saturday 15th at 4pm and 8pm.
Directors: Richie Dobson, Abi Leabright & Jenn Singleton
In addition to the actual residential weeks there is a devising day workshop. This is completely free and optional to attend. It’s a great chance to meet the cast and team and check out the venue. It is hoped that enough material will be gathered to enable the team to develop three scenarios before the Barnstorms begin. Bring a packed lunch and we’ll provide the tea and biscuits!
Oldstorm cast - Sunday 5th July 10am- 5.00pm
Location: Jordans Place, May Hill, Gloucestershire
Hillstorm cast - Saturday 4th July 10.00am to 5.00pm
Location: Jordans Place, May Hill, Gloucestershire
Summerstorm cast - Sunday 5th July 10.00am – 5.00pm
Location: Slade Farm, Stroud, Gloucestershire
Noxstorm cast - Sunday 5th July 10.00am to 5.00pm
Location: Noxon, Nr Lydney, Gloucestershire
Commitment to Barnstorm
Barnstorm is a full-time commitment. The Team have unanimously agreed that Barnstorm should take a very clear line on this. Participants will not be allowed to arrive late, leave early or take time off in the week for any reason. If you cannot commit to Barnstorm 100% please do not apply. This includes leaving after the performance no matter how tired you are! Anyone who does not comply with the rules will not be able to take part in future Barnstorms.
Alcohol
Barnstorm is a ‘no alcohol’ week for all the cast, whatever their age. We ask all actors and their parents to support this policy. (Not applicable to Oldstorm)
Leaving the site
None of the cast are allowed to leave the site during Barnstorm even if they have their own car and even if they are on a mission to buy thank you presents!
This year the cost will be £402 per participant (including a non-refundable £100 deposit). If your application is successful and you have been allocated a week you will asked to pay in full or pay in instalments.
We really appreciate extra help during the week, particularly with: front of house, and clearing up on the last day. All participants will be asked to supply a cake for 10 or make an alternative cash donation if this is difficult for you.
Applications will open on the 1st January 2026 at 10am, Click on the link below which will take you to the application form (hosted by Jotform) You can indicate which week you would prefer or if you would like to be with be with a particular friend.
If you're aged 12-18 and tick 'any week would be great', you have the highest chance of getting a place. But make sure you are happy to be on any week!
We ask everyone to apply afresh each year, even if you have applied before to be on a reserve list.
You will immediately receive a message confirmation that we have received your application. We will let you as soon as we can if we can offer you a place.