Stamford Senior Youth Theatre Logo |
|
| Name | Stamford Senior Youth Theatre |
|---|---|
| Formed | 09, 2007 |
| Location(s) | Stamford |
| Artistic director(s) | Mary Benzies Claudia Calardo |
| Members | 24 |
| Notable members | Luke Pasqualino Conor Baum Andrew Leeks |
| Website | www.ssyt.info |
Stamford Senior Youth Theatre "(SSYT)" is a theatre company based in Stamford.
The company devises and produces a new original performance annually, usually written by the company's artistic director. The company operates on a yearly timeline which runs from September to July. The devised performances are debuted in the resident theatre[1] and then toured throughout local schools and theatres. SSYT resides at the stamford Arts Centre.
The company is a member of the National Association of Youth Theatres (NAYT) and attends the Middlesbrough Youth Drama Festival annually.
Contents |
Prior to the formation of SSYT, there was a Senior Youth Theatre which was run by local director, Martin Tempest, who also ran youth drama groups several times a week. These classes were fun and light hearted. Actors wishing to peruse a professional career would often opt for a different local theatre group as drama was not the main focus of these groups. as the groups started to decline in numbers and negative feedback was received. Stamford Arts Centre decided to bring in a new artistic director.
When Mary Benzies started running the Senior Youth Theatre, there was generally a negative response as the majority of members were not used to being led by a professional in the performing arts. This saw many members quitting the group, but left a few actors who were more serious and dedicated. Mary worked with these members and in the first year produced 'Multiplex' by Christopher William Hill about staff at a multiplex cinema. This was a massive success at the box office and got rave reviews from local news. This led to an increase of interest from young people who wished to get in to performing arts. Mary chose to audition members for the 2008 Group instead of just letting everybody join. This meant that only selected members who were interested and dedicated to producing innovative, creative theatre would be accepted, leading to a massive boost in the professionalism and standard or performance by the company.
SSYT began in 2007 with its performance of 'Multiplex' but it wasn't until 2008 that the theatre company officially named itself Stamford Senior Youth Theatre and branded itself accordingly.
From 2010, government budget cuts have meant that less money is being given to the company from the council. Sources said that there is a likeable chance that the company's future could be in jeopardy. SSYT's response to this was to create a new source of income and they have since begun fundraising through events called 'SSYT Dares' which see the company's members carrying out 'dares' for donations and sponsors.
Early 2011 SSYT has started looking for patrons and high profile people to endorse the theatre company's work
SSYT is primarily funded by South Kesteven District Council and its company's members. Members pay a fee of £75 per term which mainly covers staffing costs. The arts department of the council also give an amount of money.
Government Budget cuts in 2010/11 meant that SSYT has had its direct support from the council cut and in 2010 SSYT began fundraising through a project called 'dares' which see's its members performing dares in front of the public.
In 2011 it was decided that fundraising alone could not make SSYT self sufficient, SSYT announced 2 new schemes to become a 'friend' of the company, as well as a sponsorship oppotunity for local businesses. These schemes were launched at the opening night drinks reception at the Stamford Arts Centre on the 29th May, 2011.
Previous notable members of SSYT:
| Name | Year Started | Year Ended | Characters played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Pasqualino | 2007 | 2008 | Multiplex |
| Andrew Leeks [2] | 2008 | Present | Multiplex Dress up Day 'Talkease' - Simon |
| Conor Baum | 2008 | 2010 | Multiplex Dress up Day 'Talkease' - Baron Armand Korkorai |
Actor in multiplex is 'recognised' by their school
news article from the stamford mercury