Carriageworks Young Theatre Makers
Carriageworks Young Theatre Makers (CYTM) are young people aged 11 – 18 who meet weekly to develop skills as performers, writers and directors.
Members of CYTM build drama skills and confidence by creating and performing original plays in the environment of a professionally run theatre. CYTM have also created performances as part of Light Night Leeds, Holocaust Memorial Day and in partnership with Leeds City Museum.
By developing innovative shows from conception through to performance, CYTM increase their knowledge of working in theatre and form a supportive group where their creativity is nurtured, and they are offered a genuine platform for their ideas.
CYTM is led by writer and director Ruth Cooper and supported by other industry professionals such as directors, designers and stage managers.
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Meet The Team
Artistic Director
Ruth is a Writer, Director and Theatre Maker. As Artistic Director of CYTM, Ruth works with young people co-create innovative and meaningful theatre; studio shows, main-stage productions and site-specific performances. Ruth is also Co-Artistic Director of Fidget Theatre CIO, making playful, participatory theatre for children and families."Children's theatre at its best" (Yorkshire Times).
Associate Artist
Ed is a professional Sound Designer, Composer and Music Producer who regularly creates sound design and original composition for CYTM’s shows. His other work for theatre includes productions for Red Ladder, Mind The Gap, All Points North, and Fidget Theatre.
Associate Artist
Emma is a professional Set and Costume Designer who has worked in opera, dance and theatre. She loves to collaborate with CYTM, using different media inspired by the young people’s devising ideas. Her most recent design projects are Batty (Edinburgh Festival) Drift (Interplay Theatre Leeds) The Engagement Party (Oldham Coliseum) and Womb Party (The Place, London).
How to Join
Due to high levels of interest, young people are invited to attend a taster session in which they will be informally auditioned. In this group workshop, young people will take part in activities which will give a flavour of how CYTM work. There is no need to prepare anything ahead of time. This will also be your chance to meet writer and director Ruth Cooper, who leads CYTM, and find out more information about the CYTM.
Our next taster session will take place in September.
Sessions are on Thursday evenings during term time and are split into 2 groups:
- CYTM Group A: Ages 11 – 14 (7pm – 8:30pm)
- CYTM Group B: Ages 14 – 18 (5:30pm – 7pm)
Sessions last 90 minutes. Session dates and times for each term can be sent to you upon request.
Please email Ruth Cooper to register your interest, ruth.cooper@leeds.gov.uk
Please note Ruth works part-time and will get back to you as soon as she is able.
Fees
CYTM costs £410 per year, payable in 3 termly instalments (£125/£130/£155). The cost includes:
- 13 devising sessions in the autumn term
- 13 devising and rehearsal sessions in the spring term
- Technical and dress rehearsal session in the spring term
- Creating and performing an original show in the spring term
- 13 devising and rehearsal sessions in the summer term
- 4 theatre camp full rehearsal days in the summer holidays, including technical and dress rehearsal sessions
- Creating and performing a full-scale production for the Main Auditorium
- All costumes/props/equipment
- Bronze Arts Award adviser time and guidance
- Free tickets and special ticket deals on selected Carriageworks Theatre shows
Please note that young people will not be able to participate unless payment and registration have been completed by the termly deadlines.
We also offer a limited number of free and subsidised places to young people in receipt of free school meals; if you would like to find out more about this, please email carriageworks@leeds.gov.uk.
Cancellations
Cancellations must be confirmed in writing at least two weeks prior to the next instalment due date. If you cancel after this point you will be charged in full for the following term. We will refund any pre-paid course fees for each full term not attended. We cannot refund mid-term or pro rata.
Arts Awards
Carriageworks Young Theatre Makers are given the opportunity to gain a Bronze Arts Award as part of the group. The Arts Award supports young people to develop as artists and arts leaders and is a nationally recognised qualification run by Arts Council England and Trinity Guildhall.
Tuition and guidance towards completing a Bronze Arts Award is included in the CYTM fee, although there is a moderation fee that will require payment upon registering for the Summer Term.
Find out more about the Arts Award
Important Documents
- Safeguarding Policy
- Behaviour Policy
- Photography Policy
If you require any of these policies in a different format, please contact us at carriageworks@leeds.gov.uk
Testimonials
"I come to CYTM because I enjoy the activities and it makes me feel comfortable performing in front of people. I have made amazing friends here"
"I cannot express just how beneficial this group has been to my daughter... little by little, with Ruth and all the other children's welcoming natures and lack of judgement, she has absolutely blossomed... She has so much confidence and has made such lovely friendships at the group. ... it (CYTM) has just been a haven of positivity and inclusivity"
“...it is truly an experience you cannot get anywhere else. The productions are always innovative and unique, and I’m so glad I came!”
"He thoroughly enjoys his time at CYTM, it is a safe and friendly place that allows him and his peers to be proud of who they are irrespective of gender, age, race etc.. his confidence grow enormously, thank you Ruth and to all who help out for all you do for our young people"
"...the performance was clearly developed with the young actors’ involvement and stemmed from their own ideas. Ruth manages to get the balance right between a genuine interest in what young people have to say and a professional script and production that they feel proud to be part of”
