Young Little Theatre

Young Little Theatre (YLT) is open to children between the ages of 8 and 11.The children 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.

Play in a Week

Throughout the week the participants will imagine, write, design and rehearse a play in their own words, which at the end of the week is performed to an audience. The performance will be 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.

Here are some comments from past Play in a Week participants:
“I enjoyed everything. It’s good getting to know other children so you can act well with them.”
“It’s good working as a team. And I feel proud of myself.”
“It’s different to anything else I do and it’s made me feel so confident.”
“I couldn’t believe seeing the whole play coming together from a single idea.”

Past YLT Play in a Week productions include:

2023: Treasure’s Tricks
2022: The Perfect Plan
2019: We’re Losing our Cool
2018: What’s the Big Issue?
2017: Racism – Anyone Laughing?
2016: We’re not just Numbers
2015: Forgiving and Forgetting
2014: Choices
2013: The Surprise
2012: It’s Never Going to End
2011: Summer Holiday
2010: Hamlet – A Detective Comedy
2009: Museum Mayhem
2008: The Rocky Monster Show
2007: Macbeth
2006: The Tempest
2005: Romeo and Juliet
2004: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2003: A Victorian Music Hall
2002: Life Goes On
2000: Space Junk
1999: Utter Garbage

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