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Carriageworks Young Theatre Makers

About CYTM

The Carriageworks Young Theatre Makers (CYTM) are young people aged 8 – 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.

“...it is truly an experience you cannot get anywhere else. The productions are always innovative and unique, and I’m so glad I came!”

Future Historians, 2022
Photocredit: David Lindsay

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 Ruth and find out more information about the CYTM.

The next taster sessions will take place on Thursday 14th and 21st of September 2023 and will include an introduction for the parents/carers as well as the group workshops.

Please email Ruth Cooper to register your interest.

Email: Ruth.Cooper@leeds.gov.uk

Please note Ruth works part-time and will get back to you as soon as she is able.

The Leeds Rainforest, 2022
Photocredit: Anthony Robling

Session Information

Sessions are on Thursday evenings during term time and are split into 3 groups:

CYTM Juniors: Ages 8 – 11
CYTM Group A: Ages
11 – 14
CYTM Group B: Ages 14 – 18

Sessions last 90 minutes starting at 5.30pm, 6pm or 7pm depending on group allocation.

“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”

Cost

CYTM Juniors

CYTM Juniors (age 8 – 11) costs £220* per year, payable in 3 termly instalments of £60/£75/£95 (roughly £5 per session). The cost includes:

-12 devising sessions in the autumn term
-12 devising and rehearsal sessions in the spring term
-Creating and performing an original short show in the spring term
-13 devising and rehearsal sessions in the summer term
-Creating a performance for the Main Auditorium
-All costumes/props/equipment
-Free tickets and special ticket deals on selected Carriageworks Theatre shows

*Please note CYTM Juniors (age 8 – 11) meet for fewer sessions and create smaller-scale productions than CYTM Groups A & B (age 11 – 18)

CYTM Groups A & B

CYTM Groups A & B (age 11 – 18) costs £400 per year, payable in 3 termly instalments (£125/£125/£150). 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 deadline.

Please note we 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 contact The Carriageworks Theatre for more info: 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.

Bronze Arts Award

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 (£24.50) that will require payment upon registering for the Summer Term 2024.

Find Out More

“You really have a truly wonderful company of very talented young people thank you so much for providing this creative environment for them to thrive."

The Untruth, 2023
Photocredit: Elouisa Georgiou