Caerphilly Youth Theatre is seeking new members after a funding boost from the Arts Council of Wales.
The Arts Council Of Wales has handed the theatre, run by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Arts Development, a grant of £28,835 over two years.
As part of the funding, new classes and new programme of activity will be available for the youth of Caerphilly County Borough.
Caerphilly Youth Theatre launched in Blackwood Miners’ Institute in 2005.
The group has gone from strength-to-strength and have been involved in a number of exciting projects. Past work includes devised pieces of theatre written by the group, dance pieces and well-known plays.
They have worked with National Theatre London on their New Connections programme worked with National Theatre Wales on developing their very first production A Good Night Out in the Valleys, performed at Blackwood Miners’ Institute in March 2010, and then across venues in the Valleys.
The funding has already allowed a new group to start in Crosskeys, based at Coleg Gwent (Crosskeys Campus). Another new group will be starting after Christmas, based in the theatre in Bedwas Workman’s Hall.
Caerphilly Arts Development Manager David Chamberlain said: “The new Caerphilly County Youth Theatre will not only be about the performing element of theatre. Thanks to Arts Council Of Wales, we are able to offer an extensive new programme which will include master classes with specialists in areas such as directing, comedy acting, stage fighting, musical theatre and circus skills as well as technical workshops in stage make-up, prop building and more.
“Anyone between the ages of 14 and 19 can come along, meet new people, gain new skills and above all have fun.”
The groups meet each week during term times: Mondays at Blackwood Miners Institute from 6pm to 8pm, Wednesdays at Coleg Gwent (Crosskeys Campus) 6pm to 8pm, and after Christmas, Tuesdays at Bedwas Workman’s Hall 6pm to 8pm.
The new groups are looking for new members. Membership costs just £2 a session, and there will be a 10% discount if you pay for the whole term up front.
If you would like to join one of the new groups in Crosskeys or Bedwas, or for more information, please contact the Arts Development Team on 01495 224425 or artsdevelopment@caerphilly.gov.uk