Karen Metcalfe

Artistic Director and Chief Executive

I began working at Burnley Youth Theatre 15 years ago as an outreach worker and over the years was given the opportunity to grow, develop and
take on more responsibility as I moved up in the organisation. It's hard work but so rewarding and I have loved my time at BYT.

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.

Emily Townsend

Outreach Arts Practitioner

My role involves delivering arts-based workshops and projects within the Burnley community. I love being able to work with such a wide range of different participants, and seeing their confidence and skills grow. The best thing about working on the BYT Team is the friendly and supportive atmosphere!

Jake Brannon

Operations Assistant

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

Philip J. Hindle

Workshop Leader | Thursday nights
Young Actors

Director | Great Expectations

Ollie Daley

Workshop Leader | Monday nights
Little Imaginations, Mini Theatre Makers, Theatre Explorers + Theatre Creatives

Director | The Secret Garden

Kailey Mcgowan

Workshop Leader | Tuesday mornings
Creatives Families + Adult Connect

Charly Ward

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

Matt Baker

Director | FirstByte Theatre Company

Jake Brannon

Assistant Workshop Leader | Monday nights
Little Imaginations + Mini Theatre Makers

Assistant Director | The Secret Garden

Matt Barnett

Co-workshop Leader | Thursday nights
Junior Connect + Youth Connect

Assistant Director | Great Expectations

Emily Townsend

Assistant Workshop Leader | Tuesday nights
Mini Theatre Makers

Henry Blackburn

Assistant Director | 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

Holly Clarke

Joe Shaw

Lisa Dixon

Sara Martin

Vicky Holliday

James Goulding

Rachel Jane Livermore

Deb Ashby

Annie Johnson

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 Brierly

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.