If you’re interested in drama, the best thing you can do is join a youth or amateur theatre company, and not just because it’s exciting.
Maybe without realising it, in youth theatre, you’re developing skills that you can apply anywhere, confidence, creativity and imagination. Problem solving, discipline, generosity, time management, organisation and communication, relating to people totally different to you, leadership… That’s before you get to the technical or performance experience.
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When I first realised we were going to have to dance in the show, I thought there was no way I was ever going to be able to do it – I’m more of a learn the lines and say them kind of actor. The first couple of rehearsals I found it so hard. I just wasn’t used to it. But once I got over that, it was honestly fun. When we were performing as a group, I just forgot to be worried about it. - Martin |
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You can learn a lot about yourself in a theatre company. Are you good at listening to others? Does being the brains behind a technical effect thrill you? Are you a brilliant diplomat, or willing to dedicate hours to getting something just right? Under what circumstances are you most creative? This knowledge is precious. It will help you find a job that’s right for you, and understand what makes you tick.
Theatre also offers a space where you can get out of yourself and explore ideas without boundaries. Nothing is too dangerous or controversial that drama can’t help us understand it. Theatre needs young voices and ideas to keep it alive. And if you are thinking of going to drama school, it’s vital to build up experience in youth and amateur theatre before you audition.
If you’d like to join a youth or amateur theatre company, and have specific access needs, telephone the organisation to discuss your requirements. You could make a unique contribution to their drama work, and they’re legally obliged to make any necessary changes to help you get involved.
Many major producing theatres run excellent youth companies, like the Birmingham Rep or the Lyric, Hammersmith. Check out your local theatre’s website. More information on amateur drama clubs and regional youth theatres, including comprehensive lists of companies, is available from:
The National Association of Youth Theatres
www.nayt.org.uk
Tel. 01325 363330
Darlington Arts Centre,
Vane Terrace
Darlington DL3 7AX
[email protected]
National Operatic and Dramatic Association
www.noda.org.uk
Tel: 0870 770 2480
Noda House
58-60 Lincoln Road
Peterborough
PE1 2RZ
[email protected]
The Ulster Association of Youth Drama
www.uayd.co.uk Island Arts Centre
Lagan Valley Island
Lisburn
T 020892509520
F 02892509535
[email protected]
You might want to get involved with these nationally operating youth theatres:
National Youth Theatre
www.nyt.org.uk
443-445 Holloway Road
N7 6LW
Tel: 020 7281 3863
[email protected]
National Student Drama Festival
www.nsdf.org.uk
NSDF09
Aberdeen Centre
22-24 Highbury Grove
London
N5 2DQ
T 0207 354 8070
[email protected]
Scottish Youth Theatre
www.scottishyouththeatre.org
Scottish Youth Theatre
@The Old Sherriff Court
105 Brunswick St
Glasgow G1 1TF
Tel: 0141 522 3988
[email protected]
Youth Music Theatre
40 Parkgate Road
Battersea
London
SW11 4JH
Tel: 0844 415 4858
[email protected]
The Voluntary Arts Network also provides contact details of the national bodies dealing with theatre and media. Most arts groups are run by volunteers, with roles ranging from administration and fundraising to performing and directing:
Voluntary Arts Network
www.voluntaryarts.org
121 Cathedral Road
Pontcann
Cardiff
CF11 9PH
Tel: 02920 395 395
[email protected]