Blackpool’s Grand Theatre launched an exciting new theatre company for young people on Wednesday 23rd September with some famous faces joining the class…
TV stars and past local theatre company members William Ash (Waterloo Road, Conviction, Burn It, Where the Heart Is) and Jenna-Louise Coleman (Waterloo Road, Emmerdale) called into the first session of the exciting new Grand Youth Theatre Company at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Wednesday 23rd September to offer their support to the crop of new talent.
The Grand Youth Theatre Company is a vibrant new opportunity for 11 to 19 year olds to take part in the arts at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. Are you interested in acting, set design, technical theatre, sound, theatre marketing, writing, costume or make up? Then the GYTC is for you!
The GYTC will be led by Colin Snell of Arnold School and Blackpool’s renowned In Yer Space theatre group. The first session kicked off in style with two of Colin’s famous past students popping in to show their support for the new kids in class.
GYTC Director Colin Snell said: “I am delighted that both Will Ash and Jenna-Louise Coleman have taken time away from filming the new series of Waterloo Road to be at the launch of the Grand Youth Theatre Company. I have taught and worked with both of them since they were about 11 or 12 and have enjoyed the success that they have achieved through, not only their talent, but also their commitment, focus and diligence.
“They both came through school youth theatre companies that I ran in Oldham and here in Blackpool and their success can be put to the firm foundations that they have enjoyed. Productions have taken them to the Buxton and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals, national festivals and a range of professional theatres around the country, which is a fantastic training ground. Their support here this evening is testament to the value they gained through working with IITC (Will, in Oldham) and In Yer Space (Jenna, in Blackpool) and their encouragement with this exciting, new venture.
“What makes the GYTC unique is the idea that we are creating a company not only of actors, but technicians and designers, who will have the opportunity of working in the main house as well as the studio. Plans in this first year include show-casing work, a main stage production and productions scheduled for the 2010 Buxton and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. It’s an exciting period for the Grand and the GYTC will be part of the Grand’s development programme.”
With Colin as Youth Theatre Director, the group will run on Wednesday evenings with 11 to 14s meeting from 6pm – 7.30pm and 15 to 19s meeting from 8pm – 9.30pm.
Applications are still considered for GYTC membership throughout the year and prospective new members should email Colin Snell to arrange an audition.
youththeatre@blackpoolgrand.co.uk
