David Allen

Artistic Director and Chief Executive

Burnley Youth Theatre provided the inspiration and opportunity for me to tentatively dip my toe into a career in participatory arts. Over 20 years later that same passion for supporting young people to be their best selves which inspired me, still drives BYT and is shared by the whole team. It's a privilege to come full circle and help continue BYT's amazing 50 year legacy.

Laura Simpson

Head of Programmes

I’ve loved everything about BYT since I started 9 years ago. I’ve gained lots of experience in project management and fundraising over the years and enjoy supporting schools develop their drama and creative curriculum. The best thing about BYT is that we all have a 'make it happen' attitude here and everyone is super supportive of everyone's ideas.

Lindsey West

Finance Consultant

I have worked at Burnley Youth Theatre for over 10 years. The organisational culture is one that is supportive and the team are brilliant, everyone works so hard to make BYT a brilliant place to be. I love working for a charity that grows its people; the staff and the young people who we are here to serve.

Hannah Kay

Artistic Producer

I feel so lucky to have started my career in the arts at BYT over 5 years ago. I've always been encouraged to explore new skills and find my passion in such a creative and supportive environment. The organisation has an incredible heritage and I feel honoured to play a small part in continuing its legacy alongside an amazing team.

Aiden Kelly

Finance and Operations Manager

I have been involved at BYT since 2010 and love that no day is ever the same, the different challenges and experiences this brings. I thoroughly enjoy the supportive environment and the opportunity to grow professionally in various roles. The whole teams commitment to excellence make every day rewarding.

Charly Ward

Creative Education Practitioner

Every day is different at BYT, which I love, the team is so supportive and I really feel I have grown as a professional with all the opportunities and training that has been available to me over the past three years.

Kailey McGowan

Creative Engagement Practitioner

BYT for me has always been a special place, from being a participant, to assisting on shows, I have always felt that Burnley wouldn't be the same without it. What I love most about BYT is no working week is ever the same, whether it's singing songs in creative families or heading out into the community, the days are engaging and exciting. As each project ends another begins, and I can't wait to see what's next.

Grace Blizzard

Marketing Coordinator

It is amazing to be surrounded by so much creativity, from the staff team, volunteers, and participants. The energy that BYT has is full of life and joy. It brings me so much happiness to have a part in creating, capturing, and documenting what we do here at BYT.

Jake Brannon

Finance and Operations Coordinator

Having stepped into employment from being a participant, BYT has consistently provided me with opportunities for development, training and experience in all areas. The inclusive atmosphere and friendly team makes BYT a supportive and creative place to work.

Mia Thomas

Front of House Assistant

Beth Molloy

Front of House Assistant

Frankie Bond

Front of House Assistant

Charly Ward

Workshop Leader | Monday, Tuesday + Thursday Nights
Little Imaginations, Mini Theatre Makers, Theatre Explorers, Theatre Creatives, Junior Connect, Youth Connect

Workshop Leader | Monday Mornings
HomeEd Mini Theatre Makers + Family Arts

Director
A Midsummer Night's Dream

Philip J. Hindle

Workshop Leader | Monday and Thursday nights
Theatre Explorers, Theatre Creatives + Young Actors

Anna Vasey

Workshop Support | Monday Nights
Little Imaginations + Mini Theatre Makers

Kailey Mcgowan

Workshop Leader | Tuesday mornings
Creatives Families + Adult Connect

Workshop Support
Dance Syndrome

Tierney Leigh

Workshop Leader Trainee | Monday Nights
Theatre Explorers + Theatre Creatives

Production Assistant
Charlotte's Web

Jake Brannon

Co-Workshop Leader
Junior Connect + Youth Connect

Matt Baker

Director
Charlotte's Web

Matt Barnett

Assistant Director
A Midsummer Night's Dream

Henry Blackburn

Director + Workshop Leader
FirstByte Theatre Company

Lewis Pugh

Assistant Director + Workshop Support
FirstByte Theatre Company

Anthony Preston

BYT is very special to me. I got involved in about 1976 and not only did I meet life-long friends, it played a critical part in deciding my future career, helped me get my first work in the arts, and all my family have been involved in various ways over the years. As Chair of Trustees I am now giving back to the organisation, ensuring its future and helping others benefit from the opportunities it gave me.

Kelly Allen

Going to a Youth Theatre was one of the most important and formative experiences of who I am today. It helped me unfold myself and understand so much more about the people and world around me, plus it was a HUGE amount of fun. BYT offers this same kind of opportunity to young people every day and I’m very proud to do what I can to support that.

Afrasiab Anwar

Stephen Cook

Peter Kenyon

Joe Shaw

Lisa Dixon

Sara Martin

Vicky Holliday

Rachel Jane Livermore

Mukhtar Mirza

Connor Harrison

Cool, creative and confident- all these words begin with C. So it’s no coincidence that “Connor” does, too! After many years of productions, and even more of workshops, I joined the Youth Board in 2020 and have been voicing my opinions (very loudly) ever since. It’s safe to say that Connor will never be a Goner!

Esmae Dixon

I have been coming to BYT for 7 years and I have loved every single moment. It is a place for everyone and is so very special. I love BYT

Issac Brierley

I’ve been attending BYT since 2018 and it has influenced my life greatly. I’ve met life long friends and found my passion. I think it’s great I get to share my ideas and have a voice through being on the Youth Board

Ruby Hartley

I have been at Burnley youth theatre since 2014 and have stayed ever since through thick and thin, BYT is like my second home and had helped me become who I am today, meeting my favourite people to do my favourite thing at my favourite place.

Tessa Worden

I’ve been attending Burnley Youth Theatre since 2011. It has shaped who I am as a person. The opportunities and experiences here are truly remarkable. I consider BYT to be a huge part of my upbringing and I will be forever grateful for the years of fun filled productions and life long memories.

Will Humphries

I have recently joined the brilliant youth board and have felt very welcomed and appreciated. My opinions are always respected and I truly feel part of the team.

Kate Salad

I have been coming to BYT for 3 years and have loved every second of it. From the shows, costumes, and friends, BYT is a place where I have always felt like the true me.

Kitty Levi

Every week I forward to coming to BYT. It is always the highlight of my week and has been for the last 3 years. I'm so lucky to be apart of such an amazing place with such lovely people!

Chelsi Rad