The Youth Arts Centre (YAC) has a group of young people taking part in the the National Theatre Connections programme, the world’s biggest youth festival.
David Dawson from the YAC explained: ’Groups from all over Great Britain are given one of 10 brand new plays each year to produce and perform and take across to a festival. This year we are going to Bath.’
The group is receiving support from the Douglas Choral Union who have donated £250 to help cover transport off the island.
Tony Jones, chairman of Douglas Choral Union, said: ’As a charity, the Douglas Choral Union is delighted to be able to support the members of the Youth Arts Theatre and wish them well when they travel to Bath.
’I am sure that this will be a great opportunity for them and they will gain valuable experience in something they really enjoy doing. Hopefully, their interest and participation in the theatre will continue, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes.
’The Douglas Choral Union opens its next production, 9 To 5 the Musical, on Friday, February 16 and it would be nice to think that some of the members of the group may end up participating in our future productions on the Gaiety stage.’
The Youth Arts Centre, in Kensington Road, Douglas, provides arts activities, development and support for young people.
Activities for eight- to 18-year-olds take place year round and include regular weekly classes, one-off workshops and long-term projects. There are no stars, no auditions and everyone is welcome no matter what their ability or interest.
Young people can try new activities, develop their skills in a particular art form and socialise in a welcoming and friendly environment. Resident youth workers and professional artists run these activities, passing ontheir skills over 22 sessions of art, music, singing, dancing, acting, technical and holiday projects gaining qualifications, experience and much more.
Tickets for Douglas Choral Union’s production of 9 To 5 The Musical are available at www.villagaiety.com
by Julie Blackburn
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