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

2018 Production

This year's Summer Youth Project production will be Oliver!

Summer Youth Project 2018 runs from Sunday 12 August – Saturday 25 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.

All auditionees will be informed by the beginning of June 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 June (NB. The deposit is non-refundable). The fee for SYP is £160 and 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 MONDAY 2 JULY 2018.

Thank you to everyone who attended auditions for Oliver!

We are pleased to announce the principal casting as follows:

Oliver............Cory White

Artful Dodger............Michael Kerr

Fagin............Archie Fisher

Nancy............Rhea Thorpe

Bill Sykes............Marcellus Hill

Mr Brownlow............Rob Curnock

Mr Sowerberry............Tom Keen

Mrs Sowerberry............Chloe Crawford

Mr Bumble............Toby Kearney

Widow Corney............Phoebe Jerman

Mrs Bedwin............Estelle Cobbson

Charlotte Sowerberry............Molly Scrase-Kings

Dr. Grimwig............Lola Funsho

Nancy’s Clique............Imogen Timms (as Bet) / Caitlin Nicholls / Charlotte Waller / Meghan McNamee / Megan Cuthbert

Rose Girl............Amy Gordon

Dance Captain............Chloe Crawford

Other parts and cameo roles will be allocated when Project starts in August
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Age

You must be 9 - 21 (or 14 - 26 for technical participants) on or before 12 August 2018 to be eligible for this Project.  There can be no exceptions made on the age restrictions.

The decisions of the Production Team on the day are final and unfortunately, we cannot enter into further discussion or correspondence about them. 

Project Dates, times and other information

The project runs from Sun 12 August – Sat 25 August 2018. 

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 June 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 June (NB. The deposit is non-refundable). The fee for SYP is £160 and 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 MONDAY 2 JULY 2018.
 
Performances
The performances will take place from Thursday 23 August – Saturday 25 August 2018.  Tickets will be on sale soon.

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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