About Futureland

Hi. I’m Montel Douglas. Futureland’s Performance Co-Director

Futureland creates a space where young people feel listened to, valued, and creatively empowered. One of the strongest impacts is seeing students grow in confidence when expressing ideas about their future, communities, and the world around them. Through check-ins, devising exercises, freeze frames, movement work, and discussion-based tasks, students who were initially hesitant have contributed creatively and verbally in much more confident ways.

A strong example of this was during a session where students were asked what they would change if they were Prime Minister. Responses ranged from environmental concerns around plastic waste and wanting more autonomy, to changing the structure of schools. The discussion showed critical thinking, imagination, and ownership over societal issues that directly affect them. What stood out most was that every student engaged and wanted to contribute.

Across the project, students have become more collaborative and supportive of one another. Activities such as Hawa Khan’s amazing ‘Choices’ exercises and ensemble building encourage listening, decision making, and teamwork. Many sessions have showed clear progress in behaviour, focus, and willingness to take creative risks. By the later sessions, there has been a noticeable increase in participation and confidence, particularly from students who initially struggled with performance-based activities.

This quote is from Hawa Khan, Futureland’s Performance Co-Director

After 22 years as a freelance educator and 25 years as a creative practitioner, projects like Futureland remind me why this work matters. In an increasingly digital world, young people need spaces where they can connect, communicate, listen, create, and simply be present with one another.

Working outside the pressures of a traditional classroom creates opportunities for deeper engagement and authentic conversations. Seeing students grow in confidence, take part, and share their ideas continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice. The project has reinforced my belief in the power of creativity to bring people together and help young people better understand themselves and the world around them. Creative practice is not an added extra but an essential tool for communication, wellbeing, and personal development.