About Summer Youth Project

The first Summer Youth Project took place at the Wyvern Theatre in 1994 with Bugsy Malone and was one of the first community ventures of its kind in the local area. Since then it has become an annual tradition and many young people have been involved in the Projects over the years.

The aim of Summer Youth Project is to provide up to 200 youngsters aged 9 – 21 with the opportunity to work together in a professional theatre. The two week project culminates in five performances of a full-scale musical under the supervision of a highly skilled creative team including a professional Director, Choreographer, Musical Director, Musicians and Technical team all in less than 2 weeks!

The scheme has evolved, getting bigger and brighter every year; it provides local children with a unique opportunity to take an active interest in the performing arts and is a good foundation for those wishing to further their careers in this field.  Several previous Project members have gone on to study at theatre and dance schools and have successful careers both on stage and backstage.  As well as being actively involved in the arts, it helps our young cast build confidence,  develop learning skills, unite with a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, have fun in an imaginative and creative environment, and of course, make lots of new friends!  Summer Youth Project provides a crucial artistic outlet for children during the summer holidays – ensuring they are kept entertained, off the streets and out of trouble.

Over the two week project the Wyvern comes alive to the sound of children, working incredibly hard learning their lines, rehearsing songs and practicing dance routines, all with an enthusiasm and dedication that is unprecedented. Year-on-year we receive praise for the high standards that the show ultimately produces with such a young cast and crew.

Previous Productions

2019 Production

2019's Summer Youth Project production will be Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Summer Youth Project 2019 runs from Sun 11 August – Sat 24 August. You must be available for all these days. Because of the short production and rehearsal time you have to be fully committed to the show for the whole period.

CAST LIST:

Please note, other smaller cameo roles will be allocated once SYP begins.  Acceptance packs and all the information you need will be sent out by the end of April.

Caractacus Pott: Archie Fisher
Truly Scrumptious: Amy Gordon
Jeremy: Ben Brindle
Jemima: Mollie Avenell
Grandad: Dino Fisher-Stephens
Lord Scrumptious: Harrison Darley
Baron: Michael Kerr
Baroness: Rae Alexander
Toymaker: Rob Curnock
Childcatcher: Kimmy Shopland
Boris: Maddy Stimpson-Duffy
Goran: Marcellus Hill
Sid: Ben Lancaster
Violet: Megan Cuthbert
Junk Man: Kyle Iles
Coggins: Lachlan Hart
Captain: Byron Pound
Turkey Farmer: Lucia Beggan
Goat Farmer: Toby Kearney
Mrs Phillips: Mia Pike
Soldiers: Jacob Brain, Jay Bradfield
Inventors: Ryan Aust, Louise Aust, Meghan Mcnamee, Joshua Gasparro, Theodore Elderfield, Lola Funsho
Sewer Children: Lewis Alexander, Nia Avenell, Amelie Bassett-Reid, Cadence Clements, Jacob Gannon, Emily Graham, Nathan Graham, Grace Mulraney, Bonnie Olive, Tristan Robinson, Romey Smogur, Cory White

Frequently Asked Questions

PROJECT DATES, TIMES & OTHER INFORMATION
Project runs from Sun 11 August – Sat 24 August 2019.  You must be available for all these days. Because of the short production and rehearsal time you have to be fully committed to the show for the whole period. All auditionees will be informed by the beginning of May whether they have been successful or not; to confirm your place a £10 deposit will be required which must be returned by the beginning of May (NB. The deposit is non-refundable).  The fee for SYP will be £170 which includes a Project T-shirt, all the tuition, rehearsals and performances for the 2 weeks – the deposit will be deducted from the fee total.  All payments must be returned to the Theatre by FRIDAY 28 JUNE 2019.  Please note, once paid and Project has started, the fees are non-refundable.
 
WYVERN FOUNDATION
The Wyvern Foundation is a charity that has been set up to advance the education and training of children and young people in Swindon and the surrounding areas by their participation and involvement with all aspects of the performing arts.  The Foundation supports the Summer Youth Project by providing bursaries (50% of the fee).  If you feel you could benefit from receiving help from the Foundation, you can apply for funding when the place has been confirmed. 
 
CHAPERONES
We are always looking for licensed Chaperones or those with a DBS certificate that would like to become a chaperone, to help with the Summer Youth Project.  If you are interested please contact Nyree as soon as possible (see contact details below).
 
REHEARSALS
These usually start at 10am and continue all day with a break for lunch, and a dinner break when evening rehearsals are required.  Towards the end of the Project finishing times of later than10pm are to be expected. 
 
PERFORMANCES
The performances will take place from Thursday 22 August – Saturday 24 August 2019.  Tickets are on sale now.
 
For any further general questions please contact Nyree Kingsbury on 01793 509039 or via email on Nyree@wyverntheatre.org.uk
 
For details regarding technical aspects of the Summer Youth Project, please contact Dave Jell via email on Dave@wyverntheatre.org.uk

The Summer Youth Project is managed by the Wyvern Theatre on behalf of the HQ Theatres Trust. Charity No. 1145989.

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