Arts Organisations Central Youth Theatre Central Youth Theatre

Arts Organisations Central Youth Theatre

Central Youth Theatre l l Since 1983 Central Youth Theatre (CYT) has been Wolverhampton’s leading youth theatre. Founded Jane Ward, its current director, hundreds of youngsters have passed through the Youth Theatre, many of whom are now working professionally in theatre, film and television. CYT is based at the Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

Central Youth Theatre l The 25 th anniversary of the Youth Theatre was celebrated in 2008 and a photographic exhibition celebrating the professional achievements of former members was commissioned and is on permanent display in the Studio Block.

Central Youth Theatre Objectives l l Provide opportunities for young people aged 8 -25 years to learn a broad range of skills associated with the dramatic arts. Stage theatre productions of the highest possible standard. Develop interest in and understanding of, all aspects of the production process, so that the final performance becomes the responsibility of young people. E. g. lighting, sound, stage-management etc. Maintain an emphasis on “group development”, but at the same time offer support and encouragement to individuals who express an interest in exploring further education opportunities beyond the youth theatre. Encourage more mature members of the youth theatre to assist in the development of the artistic work and the day to day management of the Youth Theatre, providing them with valuable experience and further training.

Upcoming Production l l The next production at Central Youth Theatre is ‘Coram Boy’ on 6 th & 7 th July 2010 at The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton University. Set in 18 th Century England, Coram Boy is a rich and almost gothic drama, full of dastardly villains, cold-hearted aristocrats, devoted friends and passionate lovers, set against a background of cruelty, music and murder. The production promises to be a visual feast by a strong ensemble cast of young people.

Central Youth Theatre – Film and TV Work l l In 1985, CYT was selected from 500 groups around the country to devise and create a half hour TV drama as the English film in an International Film Series entitled “It’s Our World” The film - “It’s Good ‘Ere ‘Innit” was shown not just on Channel 4, but also in Japan, Israel & Australia. Local film and TV companies frequently contact CYT and members have been involved in films such as Merchant Ivory’s The Feast of July and TV programmes such as Crimewatch, Jupiter Moon, The Bill & The People’s Millions

Careers in the Arts Day l On 16 th April 2010, I visited Central Youth Theatre and attended their Careers in the Arts Day which was established to give young people insight into what careers were available in the industry, pathways to get into them and any advice or questions.

Careers in the Arts Day l On the day there were 10 individuals: – – – – – Ruth Gavin – Training Options for Actors Stephen Kelly & Holly Phillips – Auditioning for Drama Schools & Training Options for Actors Tom Parry – Acting in Theatre & TV Ed O’Driscoll – Being a Producer Ken Rock – Script Writing for TV Richard Brighton – Being a Stage Combat Tutor/Stuntman Alys Cummings – Media Journalism Kaley Green – Roles with the TV Production Industry Ian Connop – Stage Management

Script Writing for TV l l l Ken Rock Ken is a highly experienced Wolverhampton based scriptwriter who has worked in the film, television and entertainment industry for 35 years. He has written for many radio and TV shoes, and for comedians including The Two Ronnies, The Dick Emery Show, The Grumbleweeds, Les Dennis & Kenny Everet. Some of his more recent projects include storylining for the Walt Disney Organisation, working in Bollywood researching a film project and running workshops for the Denmark Film Institute. He also worked at the Prague Film School where he taught ‘Screenwriting for Beginners’ to students from around the world. Last year he worked in China on a documentary film about a group of Chinese minority people who live in the remote mountainous regions of SW China. He has also worked in development for various TV companies helping to devise and develop new projects, ideas and artists. For the last 10 years he has been president of The British Society of Comedy Writers.

Writing Options after College l There are many different courses offering writing in different forms at University. Some of these include: – – – – l Writing and Film Studies, Anglia Ruskin University Scriptwriting, Staffordshire University Creative and Media Writing, Portsmouth University Theatre: Writing, University College Falmouth Creative Writing/Film and Theatre Studies, Bath Spa University Scriptwriting for Film and Television, Bournemouth University Scriptwriting, Doncaster College Scriptwriting and Performance, University of East Anglia Another way to get your writing seen is through BBC Writer’s Room who help new writers develop their craft through the website and in open sessions around the country with the UK's best writing talent. We hold open competitions for writers, and detail other industry opportunities. BBC writersroom is constantly on the lookout for writers of any age and experience who have exceptional talent, an original voice, and great stories to tell.

Advice l l l The most repeated and, it seems, important advice for any work in the arts is to not give up. Ken Rock said that he has written and written for all of his life and only a handful of work ever gets used but everything he has written has been important, has helped him develop and has helped him learn. Also, to take any opportunity that you can and get involved in any little thing, however unimportant it seems. It will add to your experience. Be thankful of anything that you achieve and keep record of anything you’ve done professionally.

Get involved with the Central Youth Theatre l l l Membership is open to all young people aged between 8 years and 25 years old. Just complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch with you. Our regular meeting day is on a Sunday and members are divided into two age groups Juniors 8 -12 yrs - meet 11 am – 1 pm Seniors 13 yrs – 25 yrs – meet from 1 pm onwards. We are only able to accept members at particular points in the year, when we have completed a production, so please ensure you complete and send in an application form and that will place you on our waiting list, and we will write out to you as soon as we have a vacancy. To fill in an application form visit: Central Youth Theatre Membership