Aspiring stars get creative at theatre sessions

The weekly sessions have been funded through an Arts Council England grant

Weekly youth theatre sessions funded as part of a £350,000 project to improve access to the arts across North Yorkshire have begun in Tadcaster.

Thunk- It Theatre offers funded drama classes for children aged between six and 11-years-old at The Barn.

The sessions, which cost just £2 or less, form part of a two-year programme called Now Then! funded by a Place Partnership award from the Arts Council England.

Becky Lennon, a director at Thunk-It Theatre CIC, said to be able to offer classes at a low cost was unheard of nowadays.

Becky Lennon said the youth theatre is built around the the interest and ideas put forward by the children

Sessions at The Barn Youth Theatre began in September, with children having the chance to play games, share and make stories and learn how to act out scripts.

Since it started it has been fully booked, with several names now on the waiting list for places.

Ms Lennon said she was not surprised it had been so popular.

"For a lot of these young people they might not go to the traditional youth groups but they still want the chance to be creative” she said.

Poppy, nine, is one of 15 children who have attended the youth theatre since it started.

"I like it because you get to not only act but you get to be a director and I’ve also learned to be yourself," she said.

Maisie, 10, added: "I really enjoy coming here. I love reading out loud to people, like reading a script and performing things."

The community arts company ARCADE is working with The Barn to deliver the project.

Executive Producer Hannah Davies said: “This funded drama club provides inclusive ways for all to be involved, not just performing, prop-making, backstage roles, there is something for everyone of all levels.”

She added: “It is a great way to make friends, build confidence and have fun."

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