A new leader will be at the helm when the Georgian Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre starts its autumn term this week.
It will be the first time that it has held face-to-face sessions since the start of the pandemic.
Ruth Allison has been appointed youth theatre officer at the historic venue and theatre bosses say she brings a wealth of acting, writing and directing experience to the role.
She will run Richmond’s youth theatre programme, which introduces young people from six to 18 years old to all aspects of theatre and stagecraft, including acting, directing, devising and stage management.
Over the years, it has provided a launch pad for many students who have gone on to study drama or pursue successful theatre careers.
“I am thrilled to be taking up this very exciting post,” said Ruth who has previously worked at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
“The Georgian’s Youth Theatre has a well-earned reputation for excellence and to be based in the UK’s oldest working theatre with the opportunity to use its amazing stage for live performances is an added and unique bonus.”
Ruth is a big believer that everyone has a story to tell, which she was able to explore through her involvement in a ‘Friends in Fiction’ project that looked at friendships in children’s literature and their impact on mental health.
This was undertaken with multiple primary schools in the Liverpool area and was met with very positive reviews.
“I am passionate about promoting the arts to young people and providing them with inspiring and innovative art projects,” said Ruth, who had her own first acting experience as a member of the Stephen Joseph Youth Theatre.
“My aim will be to provide a fun, playful and engaging environment for young people to create theatre and develop their own skills – whatever their age, interests and experience.”
The Georgian Theatre Royal Youth Theatre will be returning to face-to-face teaching this academic year after it moved all activities online in March 2020 during the first of the Covid lockdowns.
In the months that followed, the 100 plus members would meet in their classes via Zoom and take part in a wide range of fun and creative tasks which included a recorded performance for parents to watch.
The Georgian Theatre Royal Youth Theatre runs acting and musical theatre classes, which are structured in three age bands: Juniors (6-11 years); Middles (11-14 years); and Seniors (14-18 years). They run on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturdays during school term time.
Term starts on Monday, September 13 and limited places are still available.
No previous experience is necessary but pre-enrolment is essential.
Anyone interested in joining the Youth Theatre should call 01748 823710 or email: youth@georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
Details and an application form can also be found on the Theatre’s website: www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
