YOUTH THEATRE

Summerseat Players Youth Theatre is a very popular organisation that runs weekly workshops and puts on performances for the general public as least once a year.

Summerseat Players Youth Theatre began in earnest when the society moved to its Theatre Royal premises. Its first leader was Ida Parker and the group consisted of just 20 young people aged from 9 upwards. We now operate 3 groups totalling a maximum of 50 members across all ages. The youngest members are able to start once they are in school year 6.

WHAT WE DO

We aim to give members experience of all aspects of Theatre & develop their confidence & skills through a variety of different activities. These activities could include exercises, improvisations or games on Clear Speaking, Stagecraft, Mime, Movement, Characterisation & Listening.

Members will gain confidence through cooperating with fellow members & group leaders, performing in front of others and taking responsibility for “back stage & technical” aspects of putting on a play.

There will be at least one full production of a play (or other form of entertainment) each year and other opportunities to perform in front of an audience. Should the plays being performed by Summerseat Players Adult membership require young people, Youth Theatre members will have the opportunity to audition & work with adults in one of those productions.

There could be visits to a professional theatre if a suitable production & opportunity presents itself. This will involve an extra cost & advance notice will be given.

WHAT WE EXPECT

Whilst we want members to enjoy themselves, good drama demands discipline & consideration for others. This means that members will be expected to conform to the requests of the group leaders without hesitation or argument and that they will be considerate in their behaviour & attitude to all other members.

We will take every care to ensure that any member in attendance will be looked after properly. This means that no Saturday member will be allowed to leave the Theatre premises during the hours of the session, or rehearsal. Should any Saturday member need to leave a session early for a particular reason we request prior notification from the parent or guardian. Tuesday & Wednesday members, being older, will be made aware of their group leaders requirements for their safety at the beginning of each term, depending on the make up of the membership.

Once a commitment is given to being part of a production then that production takes priority over ALL other activities. Attendance at rehearsals is expected. A person may feel that they do not need to rehearse as they know their part, but others need to have them there in order for them to practise their parts. Extra rehearsals will be called in addition to regular Youth Theatre meetings, especially close to performance dates. If there is a particular problem, please discuss it with the group leader / producer of the show when casting is being done, or as soon as possible thereafter. We reserve the right to change casting & even cancel membership should a member not comply with this requirement.