Young Little Theatre

Running alongside Haslingfield Little Theatre is Haslingfield Young Little Theatre (YLT) which is open to children between the ages of 8 and 12. Every year they put on their own play in the summer holidays, and also take part in Haslingfield Little Theatre’s November Production.

For all members, YLT is a fantastic experience – developing not only excellent stage and performance skills, but also by giving them confidence, a sense of responsibility, and of course wonderful memories.

Workshops for Beginners

At the Workshops for Beginners the children have a taste of everything that can go into a production. They learn how to use the stage, create characters and scripts, as well as having practical sessions in the other aspects of a production, including: Going into the lighting box to see how lighting, sound & special effects can be used, looking at the costumes in our extensive costume loft.

Play in a Week

After completing the Workshops for Beginners, members can take part in the YLT Play in a Week, which takes place in July or August. The Play in a Week lives up to its name – the children start rehearsing on Monday morning, and by Friday evening put on their own play to a paying audience. The performance is totally the children’s responsibility. There are no adults to tell them when to go on stage or to prompt them – indeed, the director sits in the audience.

November Production

Following Play in a Week, some YLT members go on to participate in Haslingfield Little Theatre’s November show. They usually rehearse separately first, joining the adults nearer to show dates. Here are some of the children’s comments about their experience:

“…I have loved every minute of this panto. I wouldn’t change it for the world”
“…it’s brilliant fun and I would encourage anyone to join”
“…I have had laughter, fun and loads more”
“…you can show that you can shine like a star”.

After YLT

Many children continue drama as teenagers with Haslingfield Little Theatre, and some have gone on to study drama at university and have become professional performers.

To find out more about Haslingfield Young Little Theatre, please contact Cheryl Lowery on: cheryllowery@btinternet.com