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The Youth Theatre consists of 2 groups that meet every Monday from 6-7.30 (11 - 13ish)and 7.30-9.30 (up to 18 years ... and beyond) during term time. Some of the activities we engage in are: playing theatre games, improvising, practising voice exercises, miming, performing short sketches and, of course, rehearsing for productions. There are many skills to be learnt in a Youth Theatre - not all related solely to performance. You will benefit from learning how to listen and respond to others, how to engage in a creative group exercise, how to express your feelings, how to speak in a clear and controlled way, how to move, how to use sound and lighting to create mood and atmosphere... the list goes on! Extra rehearsals are required leading up to productions, so the commitment is often more than one night a week!
We belong to the National Association of Youth Theatres and attended the NAYT organised 'Big Youth Theatre Festival' at Gilwell Park in Essex in July 2005 and 2006. The event was FANTASTIC and pics of both events can be found on our archives section See this page for 2006 - take a look! In 2007 we took a break from the BYTF as we were SO busy! We are back at BYTF in July 2008. You can visit the NAYT website via the links page.
In 2007 we particpated in the 'NT Connections' event (supported by Bristol Old Vic), details of our production are on the 'A Year and a Day' archibve page.
We welcome anyone aged between 11 - 18 (ish) with the commitment and enthusiasm required to make a good team player. You need to be able to attend regularly and must be responsible enough to keep to the Youth Theatre Code. Places for the Youth Theatre are allocated each term to valued members of the group and new members whenever possible.
You can download an application form here (if
you do this you will automatically download the Youth Theatre Code as well).
If you need to contact the the Youth Theatre Leader, Barbara Hockley, call direct
on 01885 490571 or email here.
Alternatively leave a message at the Conquest Theatre and we'll get an application
form out to you as soon as possible. We took on a lot of new people in September 2007 and the next intake will be September 2008. We now have around 24 in the younger group and 16 in the senior group
We work incredibly hard at CYT to make each year challenging, different and exciting for everyone and all members are expected to participate in at least one production every year. In return we ask that you only apply to join if you really want to be in a hard working and dedicated theatre company - this is not a youth club!! The fees we charge are extremely modest and help to fund the theatre as well as the Youth Theatre productions. We are incredibly lucky to have a theatre in such a small town and the Youth Theatre benefit enormously by having this wonderful facility as their 'home'.
We are currently winding down for the summer. A 'revue' type end of year show is planned for July 12th and features singing, dancing, puppets, sketches and films. Our wonderfully successful April 2008 shows 'The Dream Makers' by Barbara Hockley and 'After Juliet' by Sharman Macdonald will appear on our archive pages very soon.
The Youth Theatre Code (of Conduct and Practice) details exactly what
we expect from all members and is signed by parents and members alike prior
to joining. Members who are unable or unwilling to play by the rules will not
be invited to return to the Youth Theatre the following term, (in some cases
expulsion may be immediate).
If you apply to join the Youth Theatre, the Code will be sent to you. You can
also view or download the Code here.
Click below for details & pics.
Cafe Fantastique, Film & Stage Show, May 2007
A Year & A Day by Christina Reid, March & July 2007
The Big Youth Theatre Festival July 2006
The Legend of Deadrock Manor December 2005
The Big Youth Theatre Festival July 2005
Early Man, by Hannah Vincent & The Queen Must Die, by David Farr, May 2005
Return to the Forbidden Planet, by Bob Carlton, December 2004
The Last Resort by Chris Owen March 2004