Click here for NATIONAL PRESS FEATURE: The Stage
SUMMER TERM SHOWCASE
JULY 17TH
JULY 17TH
Once again KYT reach new heights of performance, perhaps in part due to their new venue at Kent College.
Sixty-four students took to their new performance space last Saturday and raised their game accordingly.
Sixty-four students took to their new performance space last Saturday and raised their game accordingly.
STAGEBUGS
WIZARD OF OZ
WIZARD OF OZ
The heart stealing stagebugs, the youngest at KYT, performed their very own improvised Wizard of Oz and opened the proceedings. The 20 strong cast moved swiftly from song and dance and action employing three Dorothy’s, two Tin Men, two Lion’s, two scarecrows, two Toto’s and one very mean wicked witch. All the “bugs” remained on stage throughout adding weight to the KYT policy of keeping everyone involved all the time. The cast sustained their concentration for a good 40 minutes and for ones so young, some only three, this was a credit to their training and talented staff.
KYT's
A Theatrical Melange
A Theatrical Melange
Following the stagebugs came a theatrical melange of performances from the older students – some improvised and some scripted work with solo performances to boot. The older students created and performed 12 short scenes and sections from plays including the Railway Children, Blood Brothers and Macbeth. One of the highlights was an improvisation showing how three very different ladies react to being stuck in a lift together – the audience were literally in stitches. The showcase finished with a rousing rendition of “Rhythm of Life” from Sweet Charity performed by the entire company.
Diplomas and awards were presented to worthy recipients including the brand new SPOTLIGHT AWARD, the winners being voted for by their own peers; Anna Evans, Zoe Goodall and Ollie Huson all receiving an engraved glass award.
Diplomas and awards were presented to worthy recipients including the brand new SPOTLIGHT AWARD, the winners being voted for by their own peers; Anna Evans, Zoe Goodall and Ollie Huson all receiving an engraved glass award.
SPRING TERM SHOWCASE
MARCH 27TH
MARCH 27TH
Stagebugs take the JUNGLE by storm...
Our wonderful 3 to 7 year olds opened the showcase with their own version of Jungle Book, including some of the most popular songs accompanied by quite intricate dance patterns for elephants, tigers, monkeys and snakes. yet again they did themeslevs and their families proud - looking the part - sounding the - being the part. Brilliant work from everyone involved in "bugs" at KYT.
Stagebugs is becoming so popular that next term there will be two classes to accommodate all the youngsters. It is rumoured their next show will be Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Flying cars?
The Canterbury Tales has not been tackled by KYT in the past and what the groups created was a measure of their skills and abilities as the premier stage school in the area. The competition was opened by the more than capable George Benson and Meg Paine, the narrators for the show. Four of the popular tales were introduced and expertly performed by the students. The styles adopted suited the tales admirably and the audience chuckled their way through the performances, breaking into raucous laughter when one Alfie Davis (pointed hat front row) took magical command of his scenes with wizard accomplice, Mitchell McLean (next to Alfie front trow). All students showed great expertise as young performers which was recognised by the comments of parents and friends on departure.
As they left these comments were offered: – “The best yet!” “The standard was superb!” “Excellent show” “Can’t wait for the next one.”
As they left these comments were offered: – “The best yet!” “The standard was superb!” “Excellent show” “Can’t wait for the next one.”
JUST BIG KIDS adult courses.
Shakespeare Summer Showcase review and photographs - soon....
SPRING 09 SHOWCASE REVIEW
KYT’s Spring Term Showcase took place last weekend to an audience of proud parents, supportive friends and even the new KYT patron, Kent actor Jazz Dhiman.
The group of 20 strong 3-7 year old Stagebugs sprang into action with their performance of “Sound of Music from the Childrens’ perspective”. The girls in their favourite frocks and boys in shorts and braces formed a Captain Von Trapp-style line. One-by-one the Bugs stepped forward to explain they lived with their widowed father who hired governesses to look after them and who they tormented as Elly Simpson very proudly stated, by putting “FROGS in their BEDS!”
The Stagebugs remained focused as they performed DoReMi in two singing parts – no mean feat for some as young as 3! They powered out the lyrics to “Favourite Things” and then danced to “The Lonely Goatherd,” some as puppet masters and some as puppets, some were goats and some were villagers while George was the Prince yodelling on a raised platform at the back. To close, “Edelweiss” had the audience and teachers united in tears of pride for the little ones. Sidonie : “come on Mum’s and Dad’s...JOIN IN!” and the parents did.
Stagebugs performances are always work in progress and never without forgotten lines, occasional distracted bugs exploring the stage and waving to family members in the audience but what is clear is their love of what they do and the confidence and sense of achievement it gives them. That is the value of drama. Tfino Smith had the final word as he stretched to reach the microphone above his head “We love you Mum’s and Dad’s”.
The older KYTers spent the spring term practicing devised theatre. They were given a theme from which they were to produce something. Group K, aged 8-11 based their piece on a mixture of Roald Dahl tales. Elly Hunter played an accomplished, articulate and appropriately dominating Miss Trunchbull with talent and presence on stage which has developed significantly in the 3 whole years spent at KYT.
Group Y performed their modern and humorous adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, “Wayne and the Magic Stepladder”. George Benson gave structure to the performance by playing narrator and while not involved in the immediate action the group assembled stage right providing sound effects and quick comments in unison. Chavs replaced the giant and the performers captured the “chav” culture in a polished, entertaining and intelligent manner. The piece that Group Y constructed was funny and accomplished, worthy even of being written into script form and produced by other youth groups.
Youth culture perceived by youth themselves is interesting and was continued by Group T in their dramatic piece on gang crime incorporating topical issues such as drugs, knives, guns and alcoholism. These are all very real issues for our youth and the groups portrayal was both sensitive and insightful. All dressed in black the group played out stories of a number of different families who eventually became linked by the death of a teenager at the hands of another. A highly-charged and passionate Beth Richford played her part in a breathtaking and moving manner but the entire cast should be proud of the work they devised themselves.
The KYT students pay true testament to the talent that exists among us in Kent; but even more so the fact that there are wonderful, insightful, intelligent and confident individuals who project a very different message from the stereotypical view of today’s youth. The effect of KYT and drama on these children is undeniable.
The group of 20 strong 3-7 year old Stagebugs sprang into action with their performance of “Sound of Music from the Childrens’ perspective”. The girls in their favourite frocks and boys in shorts and braces formed a Captain Von Trapp-style line. One-by-one the Bugs stepped forward to explain they lived with their widowed father who hired governesses to look after them and who they tormented as Elly Simpson very proudly stated, by putting “FROGS in their BEDS!”
The Stagebugs remained focused as they performed DoReMi in two singing parts – no mean feat for some as young as 3! They powered out the lyrics to “Favourite Things” and then danced to “The Lonely Goatherd,” some as puppet masters and some as puppets, some were goats and some were villagers while George was the Prince yodelling on a raised platform at the back. To close, “Edelweiss” had the audience and teachers united in tears of pride for the little ones. Sidonie : “come on Mum’s and Dad’s...JOIN IN!” and the parents did.
Stagebugs performances are always work in progress and never without forgotten lines, occasional distracted bugs exploring the stage and waving to family members in the audience but what is clear is their love of what they do and the confidence and sense of achievement it gives them. That is the value of drama. Tfino Smith had the final word as he stretched to reach the microphone above his head “We love you Mum’s and Dad’s”.
The older KYTers spent the spring term practicing devised theatre. They were given a theme from which they were to produce something. Group K, aged 8-11 based their piece on a mixture of Roald Dahl tales. Elly Hunter played an accomplished, articulate and appropriately dominating Miss Trunchbull with talent and presence on stage which has developed significantly in the 3 whole years spent at KYT.
Group Y performed their modern and humorous adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, “Wayne and the Magic Stepladder”. George Benson gave structure to the performance by playing narrator and while not involved in the immediate action the group assembled stage right providing sound effects and quick comments in unison. Chavs replaced the giant and the performers captured the “chav” culture in a polished, entertaining and intelligent manner. The piece that Group Y constructed was funny and accomplished, worthy even of being written into script form and produced by other youth groups.
Youth culture perceived by youth themselves is interesting and was continued by Group T in their dramatic piece on gang crime incorporating topical issues such as drugs, knives, guns and alcoholism. These are all very real issues for our youth and the groups portrayal was both sensitive and insightful. All dressed in black the group played out stories of a number of different families who eventually became linked by the death of a teenager at the hands of another. A highly-charged and passionate Beth Richford played her part in a breathtaking and moving manner but the entire cast should be proud of the work they devised themselves.
The KYT students pay true testament to the talent that exists among us in Kent; but even more so the fact that there are wonderful, insightful, intelligent and confident individuals who project a very different message from the stereotypical view of today’s youth. The effect of KYT and drama on these children is undeniable.
stagebugs after their
SOUND OF MUSIC
TWO STUDENTS SOON TO BE ON TV: -
Faith Harvey and Isaac Hempstead-Wright have been successful at their latest audition for a Channel 4 Ident - advertising a programme called
BRITAINS FORGOTTEN CHILDREN
Well done guys.
Faith Harvey and Isaac Hempstead-Wright have been successful at their latest audition for a Channel 4 Ident - advertising a programme called
BRITAINS FORGOTTEN CHILDREN
Well done guys.
Faith Isaac
KYT Flashmob Newspaper Report
Strike a Pose!
Canterbury City public were stunned and shocked on Valentine's Day when at 2pm a claxon screeched from nowhere and a mass of people came to an abrupt standstill whatever they might have been doing at the time. The unknowing public were forced to negotiate their way, weaving in and out of the random human statues dotted around the Longmarket area.
The streets were rife with people busy shopping and doing their usual Saturday business and when just shy of 100 people in this central public point created a freeze-frame, only to quickly disperse as if nothing had happened.
Participants had been notified using Kent Youth Theatre e-Nooz and notices on the KYT website instructing them to come and "strike a pose" at the deafening sound of a claxon which echoed its way down the high street alarming the unsuspecting public and silencing the busking band at the foot of the tree.
The actors froze in a variety of positions; they were pointing, arguing, tying shoe laces, walking, exiting phone boxes and some enjoying Valentine's embraces. The oblivious public were stunned to near silence as they snaked through the frozen actors speculating and questioning under their breath... "what is wrong with them", "what is he looking at," "What on Earth is going on?!" “Are they all French?” “All these people have just gone still – it’s really scary!”
Spontaneous theatre is exciting for both participants and spectators. It aims to cause scenes of chaos and joy giving observers a laugh and an experience. The Kent Youth Theatre students and friends executed the 'Flash mob' perfectly, puzzling the public and then continuing with their own daily activities.
Where will they strike again? And whatever next?!
To see the film, click the link below or visit KYT-TV on YouTube.
Canterbury City public were stunned and shocked on Valentine's Day when at 2pm a claxon screeched from nowhere and a mass of people came to an abrupt standstill whatever they might have been doing at the time. The unknowing public were forced to negotiate their way, weaving in and out of the random human statues dotted around the Longmarket area.
The streets were rife with people busy shopping and doing their usual Saturday business and when just shy of 100 people in this central public point created a freeze-frame, only to quickly disperse as if nothing had happened.
Participants had been notified using Kent Youth Theatre e-Nooz and notices on the KYT website instructing them to come and "strike a pose" at the deafening sound of a claxon which echoed its way down the high street alarming the unsuspecting public and silencing the busking band at the foot of the tree.
The actors froze in a variety of positions; they were pointing, arguing, tying shoe laces, walking, exiting phone boxes and some enjoying Valentine's embraces. The oblivious public were stunned to near silence as they snaked through the frozen actors speculating and questioning under their breath... "what is wrong with them", "what is he looking at," "What on Earth is going on?!" “Are they all French?” “All these people have just gone still – it’s really scary!”
Spontaneous theatre is exciting for both participants and spectators. It aims to cause scenes of chaos and joy giving observers a laugh and an experience. The Kent Youth Theatre students and friends executed the 'Flash mob' perfectly, puzzling the public and then continuing with their own daily activities.
Where will they strike again? And whatever next?!
To see the film, click the link below or visit KYT-TV on YouTube.
KYTFLASHMOB 
email us now to be involved in the next flashmob:
kytmob@yahoo.com
TV OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRAND NEW SHOWS
e.g. ANT AND DECS SATURDAY NIGHT TAKEAWAY - CASH IN THE ATTIC - SNOG, MARRY, AVOID - THE WEAKEST LINK - loads more .....
e.g. ANT AND DECS SATURDAY NIGHT TAKEAWAY - CASH IN THE ATTIC - SNOG, MARRY, AVOID - THE WEAKEST LINK - loads more .....
If you are interested in taking part in these shows - or any show, stage production, film, commercial, TV drama - please email us directly info@kyt.org.uk or via the website enquiry page.
We are in daily contact with London Casting Directors and are kept up to date with all new TV productions, TV commercials, West End shows, films and stage productions. INTERESTED?
MAKE CONTACT.
MAKE CONTACT.
Richard@kyt.org.uk
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AUTUMN TERM SHOWCASE 2008
REVIEW
and
PHOTOGRAPHS
REVIEW
and
PHOTOGRAPHS
THEME:
COMEDY
COMEDY
6TH DECEMBER 2008
Snow Business Like Show Business
It's the most wonderful time of the year...tis the season to be jolly and spread a little Christmas cheer. The Kent Youth Theatre students certainly brought joy to those who attended their end of term Christmas Showcase at the weekend. Every term they tackle a new theatrical discipline. This term's showcase displayed just how much they had enjoyed rising to the challenge of stand-up comedy.
The Stagebugs, all aged 7 and under, stuck to the Christmas theme but there were no tea-towel wearing shepherds in sight. Instead, they performed an improvised version of the Night Before Christmas, danced as snowflakes to the Carol of Bells before they rock and rolled around the Christmas tree to the Brenda Lee classic. Their version of the carol Oh Holy Night had their parents weeping tears of pride and happiness in the front five rows! Amid the endearingly inevitable slip-ups and tangled rock and roll arms, their beaming smiles throughout were what StageBugs is all about.
There were more tears caused by the tremendous laughter that followed during the older student's performances. Each age group had been given instructions to construct a comedy sketch and in performance, even the younger KYT'ers demonstrated an understanding and aptitude for comedy and comic timing. A superhero parody and 'X Factor/Pop Idol' were impressively delivered with a particularly appealing concept where commercial breaks became as much of the show as the main programme itself. The children's take on the Sheila's Wheels girls, the L’Oreal hair commercial and forthcoming Eastender’s episodes made their performance seamlessly comic.
The final group to perform were the oldest of the bunch and they embarked upon a considerably difficult task in doing the same activities as seen on 'Whose Line is it Anyway'. On the show, the professionals do a good job, but they have been in the business for years. The students at KYT really did give the pros a run for their money. The acts were hilarious and it is incredible to think that it was all completely improvised. The stand-out performances from Beth Richford, Emma Holmes and Scott Hedington and are a real testament to the success of Kent Youth Theatre as a whole but also to the confidence that they have been able to develop within themselves.
Joey Howe and Omar Al Khina are the regular clowns of the group and their 'Double Act' which ended the showcase was inspired. The two bounce off each other delightfully and audiences love them. Their humour is warm and innocent, in that nobody becomes the butt of their jokes because they are intelligent and witty beyond mocking...Jimmy Carr and the like could take a leaf out of their book!
George Benson stood up at the end and volunteered to do a two minute stand-up on any given subject. When 'parents' was thrown at him as a topic, his shrunk down in their seats while he reeled off unrehearsed humorous anecdotes. Then Isaac Hempstead-Wright followed him to test the water with his individual routine he had prepared and practiced the week before. All that can be said about Isaac is watch this space because his talent holds no bounds.
Evidently, KYT director, Richard Andrews, truly has found some Kent talent in these kids and has then been instrumental in nurturing and developing it. The children obviously recognise the gift he has given them. Their confidence shines with no tint of arrogance or self-importance. This term, they had secretly prepared a birthday treat for the KYT hero by singing the Beatles song 'Blackbird' to him. It was clear to me perched on my seat at the back surveying the whole scene that this is a very special family group that people strive to be involved in.
Regina Dowdeswell
THE SHOE - devised comedy by Group K
More comedy devised by
Scott, Omar and Joey....
Scott, Omar and Joey....
G
ET ACTIVE FEEL ALIVE
The day organised by Canterbury City Council was aimed at the people of
Canterbury who turned out to see what the area had on offer for their
leisure time.
CCC invited KYT along to show the public what we do.
Our students performed improvisations for the public who were duly
impressed. Some even joined in under our marquee and in the open space
outside.
The students who took part were: (From left to right)
ISAAC HEMPSTED-WRIGHT
PIPPA LOWEN
TASHA RENDELL
SIAN SUTER
OMAR AL KHINA
ROMANI GRAHAM
CHARLOTTE ONEILL
Canterbury who turned out to see what the area had on offer for their
leisure time.
CCC invited KYT along to show the public what we do.
Our students performed improvisations for the public who were duly
impressed. Some even joined in under our marquee and in the open space
outside.
The students who took part were: (From left to right)
ISAAC HEMPSTED-WRIGHT
PIPPA LOWEN
TASHA RENDELL
SIAN SUTER
OMAR AL KHINA
ROMANI GRAHAM
CHARLOTTE ONEILL
KENT YOUTH THEATRE
and
KYT Stage & Screen Academy
PRESS & PATRONS
RELEASE
RELEASE
June 2008
Kent Youth Theatre’s
planned developments and initiatives
for the next twelve months.
Kent Youth Theatre’s
planned developments and initiatives
for the next twelve months.
As Kent Youth Theatre moves towards the completion of its 9th year of operation the following developments are fundamental to its maturity as a production company, stage and screen academy and personal management agency. The growing numbers joining KYT are making it a driving force in youth theatre/stage and screen training in Kent and so the time for real expansion is now.
Our current aim is:
To aid the transformation of the culture of “youth theatre” from being marginalized to mainstream entertainment; from being a neglected to a necessary art form.
Our search is on for a permanent “space”, which we can call our own: it might be an old barn, warehouse, stable block, factory space or any large space with additional rooms, which we can rent or buy. The space would be employed to create and rehearse performances for stage, screen and radio by the local youth community, county youth community and even countrywide with the links KYT has up and down the country.
It would be our performance space; a place where young people, whoever and wherever they are can tell their stories in performance, drama, music, dance.
The concept was presented to Canterbury City Council some years ago as the “Making Space” when the Marlowe first launched their huge and exciting developments for a second space but was rejected because it “did not fit in with their plans.”
Hiring commercial theatres is entirely prohibitive for performance because of the costs involved, and audiences are not attracted to youth performances for a whole variety of reasons to make it viable. This month, June, the director’s are viewing empty warehouses on the Wincheap Industrial Estate, Canterbury, which is due for redevelopment, with a view towards a short-term hire.
Between now and when that re-development time comes, our plan is to find a space belonging to a willing and sympathetic owner and transform it into a working youth performance space for a short period of time in order to launch the concept of:
It would be our performance space; a place where young people, whoever and wherever they are can tell their stories in performance, drama, music, dance.
The concept was presented to Canterbury City Council some years ago as the “Making Space” when the Marlowe first launched their huge and exciting developments for a second space but was rejected because it “did not fit in with their plans.”
Hiring commercial theatres is entirely prohibitive for performance because of the costs involved, and audiences are not attracted to youth performances for a whole variety of reasons to make it viable. This month, June, the director’s are viewing empty warehouses on the Wincheap Industrial Estate, Canterbury, which is due for redevelopment, with a view towards a short-term hire.
Between now and when that re-development time comes, our plan is to find a space belonging to a willing and sympathetic owner and transform it into a working youth performance space for a short period of time in order to launch the concept of:
Kent Youth Theatre
Making Space
Making Space
Our tag line is
growing with confidence.
We are doing that and to symbolise it we plan to plant a tree in
Canterbury for every 12 students who become involved.
growing with confidence.
We are doing that and to symbolise it we plan to plant a tree in
Canterbury for every 12 students who become involved.
The ACTS Factor
is a stand-up acting event for allcomers to perform,
monologues or duologues, comic routines
or “anything” acting to a fervent audience.
is a stand-up acting event for allcomers to perform,
monologues or duologues, comic routines
or “anything” acting to a fervent audience.
KYT GOES WEST
Kent Youth Theatre has been approached
by The Phoenix Youth Theatre(Arizona USA)
to forge a link and exchange programme.
Kent Youth Theatre has been approached
by The Phoenix Youth Theatre(Arizona USA)
to forge a link and exchange programme.
Make Your Play is an opportunity for the county’s
young playwrights to have their plays performed
by the young actors from the county.
young playwrights to have their plays performed
by the young actors from the county.
FOR MORE PRECISE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
RICHARD ANDREWS
01227 730177
07787531569
info@kyt.org.uk
RICHARD ANDREWS
01227 730177
07787531569
info@kyt.org.uk
