Theatre of the Lost and Found

Drama Education with Marginalised Youth

By Dr Sharon Coyne

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Theatre of the Lost and Found

The Story

Based on a longitudinal study with disadvantaged youth, this book provides an auto-ethnographic perspective on the complexities of working as a practitioner within marginalised communities.

The author tells the story of the Penwithen Boys project, highlighting the power of drama intervention at a critical time in the participants' adolescence. It explores the impact of excluding young people from mainstream education and how young people can respond differently in a drama environment.

Through authentic voices of the boys, now men, the book shows that applied drama can have life-changing effects. Sharon's 17-year quest to track down the participants reveals the lasting impact of drama intervention on their lives.

Published: 2026

By: Dr Sharon Coyne

Publisher: Routledge

ISBN: 9781032950631

Pre-Order Information

Available for pre-order on April 8, 2026

Item will ship after April 29, 2026

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About Dr Sharon Coyne

Dr Sharon Coyne is applied theatre practitioner, playwright and Artistic Director of Vita Nova, a community theatre group for those in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. She founded the organisation with a small group of recovering addicts in 1999. Originally a short project emerging from Bournemouth Theatre in Education (BTIE) where she was co-director, Vita Nova has become an established national community theatre.

She has also been Artistic Director of The Poole Passion and lectured at Winchester University in Applied Drama, TIE and Theatre for Development. Her work with marginalised communities has included refugees, Gypsies and Travellers and excluded young people. She sees theatre as a way of celebrating those who have often been left behind.

She is also Theatre Officer for National Drama.

Dr Sharon Coyne

What Critics Are Saying

"Dr Sharon Coyne's Theatre of the Lost and Found is a profound testament to the transformative power of applied drama. Building on the robust empirical foundation of the DICE research, Coyne skilfully interweaves her autoethnographic narrative with the journey of the Penwithen boys, her youth theatre group, from the 'shadowland' of exclusion to a 'liminal space' of hope and heroism."

— Adam Cziboly, Professor of Drama and Applied Theatre, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Coordinator of Theatre SPACEs

"This unique, heart-felt study of the long-term effects of engaging with drama demonstrates with conviction and courage how much society is in need of such practices. This book is a vital resource for practitioners and academics alike."

— Tim Prentki, Emeritus Professor of Theatre for Development, University of Winchester, UK

"Honest, brave, insightful account by a gifted applied drama practitioner about creating a play with excluded teenage boys. It's rare to hear the reflections of participants almost two decades later and discover how the journey has affected them all."

— Dr Beverley Naidoo, Carnegie-winning author of The Other Side of Truth

Sharon's Work

Dr Sharon Coyne

Selected Work

Vita Nova - Community Theatre in Recovery

Role: Artistic Director

Vita Nova is a community theatre group dedicated to those in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Through collaborative theatre-making, we create spaces for healing, celebration, and transformation. Members develop confidence, skills, and lasting connections through the creative process.

Visit Vita Nova →

Vita Nova
Gypsy & Traveller Theatre

Gypsy & Traveller Theatre Projects

I have extensive experience working with Gypsy and Traveller communities through applied drama. These projects celebrate cultural heritage, address social justice issues, and create platforms for community voices often marginalised in mainstream society.

Project details and participant testimonies coming soon...

Penwithen Boys Project

Featured in: Theatre of the Lost and Found

A longitudinal study spanning nearly two decades, tracking the lives of excluded teenagers who participated in youth theatre. The project demonstrates the lasting impact of drama intervention on resilience, relationships, and life outcomes.

Penwithen Boys Project

The Poole Passion 2008–2018

Through the Eyes of a Child by Dr Sharon Coyne

A community theatre production performed biennially at Easter, bringing the story of Jesus' final days to life through the unique perspective of a child's eyes. Created in 2009, The Poole Passion became a beloved tradition, engaging hundreds of community members in a powerful exploration of faith, sacrifice, and redemption through collaborative performance.

The Poole Passion

Talks & Media

Explore videos, podcasts, and recorded talks on applied drama, community theatre, and working with marginalised communities.

Videos & Talks

Recorded presentations, workshops, and speaking engagements on applied theatre practice.

Coming Soon

Podcasts

Conversations on drama education, community practice, and social justice through theatre.

Coming Soon

Articles & Interviews

Published articles, press features, and interviews about applied theatre work.

Coming Soon

Get in Touch

For inquiries about speaking engagements, workshops, collaborations, or general questions

sharon@dramapeace.co.uk

Email Me

Vita Nova

Community theatre group

vitanova.co.uk

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Social media & updates

@dramapeace