Welcome
The A590 Youth Theatre was founded in 2001 by current chairperson Maureen Pearson and local drama teacher Dominic McCavish. We were originally based in Parkview School.
The original concept behind the group was to make learning the skills dance, acting and music accessible to all, regardless of family income or background. We aimed for musical theatre to be used as an enjoyable way of enhancing their talents and helping them gain confidence and other skills that are transferrable to everyday life and adulthood. This is a concept we still believe in today.
As the group gained more and more members we split into two groups: A590 Senior Youth Theatre and A590 Junior Youth Theatre.
Our junior group first rehearsed at St Matthews Hall, with director Chris Lovelace, and current director Graham Barker before moving to Hindpool Community Centre in 2004. Our junior group have performed popular musical hits such as Guys and Dolls Junior and most recently Aladdin Jnr.
Our senior group - also directed by Graham Barker, have also put on many popular shows including NODA Best Youth Production nominated productions RENT and Return to the Forbidden Planet.
Members of our senior group have also been lucky enough to go to Prague to compete in a European Drama Festival for young people; a competition that promoted drama as a tool for friendship and understanding between young people of different nationalities. Our trips to Prague were extremely successful. In 2006 we won the gold award, and in both 2007 and 2008 we were proud to become overall winners two years running as well as one of our members achieving the best actress award.
Our group has also performed at other events such as the multi-cultural event.
This year we celebrated our 10th Anniversary with a fantastic show at the Forum 28. We are proud to be continuing with our original concept of making drama accessible for all still very much at the heart of our group.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to give young people the opportunity to learn new skills through dance, drama and music. We also aim to help the children improve their confidence and teach them team-building skills.
Help?
We are always looking for volunteers to help with the running of the group. Yes, it can be hard work, especially the weeks leading up to the shows but the rewards are immeasurable. Especially when you stand back and watch the children put on a fantastic show. If you feel you could help us in any way please feel free to contact us for more information. Visit our contact page for more details.