Introduction
Our Inclusive Youth Theatre programme offers creative workshops for children, young people and families. Delivering weekly workshops in creative play, drama, dance, musical theatre and technical theatre for ages 0 – 18 (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities). A range of workshops which specialise in empowering underrepresented groups including LGBTQ+, mental health, disability and parents / carers are also available.
We produce at least 6 youth theatre productions each year which range from devised new work to scripted classics. All auditions for these productions are open to everyone.
Burnley Youth Theatre has an inclusive open door policy and we want to welcome all children, young people and families to take part in our workshops and productions, no matter what their background or experience. A Financial Support Grant Scheme is an option for those who are unable to afford to donate each season, please request more information about this scheme when booking onto a workshop or attending an audition.
See below to find out more information about our workshops and how to get involved.
Inclusive BYT
Burnley Youth Theatre is fully inclusive and we want to encourage any young person with a learning difficulty or disability (LDD) or even those who may just need some extra support to participate fully in our workshops. Our Connect sessions are on a Wednesday evening which are specifically for LDD children and young people. These sessions have two staff members and are well supported to cater for all needs.
We also encourage LDD children and young people who feel they do not need as much support to attend all other workshops as all of our workshops are inclusive. We will endeavour to have volunteer support in workshops where additional support is needed to enable ALL children and young people to attend alongside their non-disabled peers.
Visits with children, young people and their parents / carers can be arranged to discuss specific needs and give a tour of the building to settle new participants in.
If you would like more information about Inclusive BYT or to arrange a visit then please contact Laura Simpson, at laura.simpson@burnleyyouththeatre.org
Creative Play
Creative Families
ages 0-4 and their parents/carers
This family workshop uses arts, crafts, storytelling, music and creative play to unlock the imaginations of little ones and encourage parents and carers to get creative with their families.
£3.50 drop in session.
Tuesday 11am – 12pm
Little Imaginations
ages 2-4
Children will use music, storytelling, role-play and craft to learn and have fun. These independent sessions are a great way to give children a head start by building confidence in their early years.
Tuesday 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Mini Theatre Makers
ages 4-6
This session uses storytelling, interaction and imaginative play as the perfect introduction to drama.
Children will develop skills to create theatre using props, costume and most importantly – their imaginations!
Tuesday 5pm – 6pm
Saturday 10am – 11pm
Drama
Drama Discoverers
ages 6-8
Using games, role-play and storytelling to learn the basics of performance, channel their creativity and boost their confidence.
Tuesday 4pm – 5pm
Saturday 11am – 12pm
Drama Explorers
ages 8-11
Activities will include learning drama and performance skills using an imaginative approach, all whilst building confidence and having fun.
Tuesday 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Wednesday 5pm – 6pm
Saturday 12pm – 1pm
Drama Creatives
ages 11-14
Allowing young people to develop their own style and use various techniques to create theatre. They will grow in confidence and develop skills in character, voice and movement.
Wednesday 6pm – 7:30pm
Thursday 7pm – 8:30pm
Young Actors
ages 14-18 (up to 25 for LDD)
From developing characters to experimenting with different styles of theatre, participants will develop the skills to become confident performers with a deeper understanding of script work, devising and improvisation.
Thursday 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Dance
Dance Discoverers
ages 6-8
Taking their first steps into dance, participants will gain confidence and develop skills in various dance styles. Working with a choreographer they will create a medley of routines to perform at the showcase event.
Thursday 4pm – 5pm
Dance Explorers
ages 8-11
For those children who love to dance will work with a choreographer to try out different styles including street, modern and classical, and will work to create a unique performance for the end of season showcase event.
Thursday 5pm – 6pm
Dance Creatives
ages 11-18 (up to 25 for LDD)
Young people who love to dance and want to learn new styles will work with a choreographer to create edgy original routines. They will explore contemporary, street dance and hip-hop to create their own work.
Thursday 6pm – 7pm
Musical
Theatre
Musical Discoverers
ages 6-8
Discover their singing voices performing pieces from confidence as a performer and have lots of fun in rehearsing a piece to perform at the showcase event.
Thursday 5pm – 6pm
Musical Explorers
ages 8-11
Explore their singing voices, learn new songs and expand their knowledge of the world of musical theatre. They will build their confidence to perform a piece at the end of season showcase event.
Thursday 4pm – 5pm
Musical Creatives
ages 11-18 (up to 25 for LDD)
Young people will perform as a complete chorus, creating close harmonies and complex chords. Singing songs from the world’s most loved musicals, they will show off their new skills at a showcase event.
Thursday 6pm – 7pm
Disability Workshops
Connect Explorers
ages 6-11
Children with disabilities or learning difficulties will explore stories using drama, voice, movement and music. Fully supported session. Parents/carers can meet us before to discuss individual needs. Siblings welcome.
Wednesday 5pm – 6pm
Connect Creatives
ages 11-18 (up to 25 for LDD)
Young people with disabilities or learning difficulties will use drama, movement and music to develop skills and confidence. Fully supported session. Parents/carers can meet us before to discuss individual needs.
Wednesday 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Adult Connect
ages 18+
A great session for adults with disabilities or learning difficulties to explore the world of theatre, bring their ideas to life and create new work. Carers are welcome to attend the session.
Wednesday 1:30pm – 3pm
Specialist Workshops
After The Rain
ages 11-18 (up to 25 for LDD)
This drama group explores themes and issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning
(LGBTQ+) young people. It is open to anybody who believes in equality and wants to bring about change.
Tuesday 6pm – 7:30pm
Pieces Of Me
ages 11-18 (up to 25 for LDD)
Begin the conversation about mental health, exploring themes through spoken word, physical theatre and self-expression. With a quarter of under 18s dealing with mental health issues, why aren’t we talking about it?
Wednesday 6pm – 7:30pm
Indra
ages 11-18 (up to 25 for LDD)
This theatre group explores political and social issues such as poverty, immigration and international conflict. The group create films and productions and attend national and international exchanges.
Tuesday 4:30pm – 6pm
Arts Award
Arts Award
Discover & Explore (ages 6-11)
Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification. Children will take part in art activities and create a portfolio of their achievements.
This session is free, with an accreditation cost of £30 per award.
Thursday 4pm – 5pm
Arts Award
Bronze, Silver & Gold (ages 11+)
All interests, abilities and art forms will be supported to achieve a higher level Arts Award qualification, with the Gold award recognised by UCAS.
The session is free, with accreditation cost of £40 per award.
Thursday 5pm – 6pm
