A SURPRISING number of Wokingham residents still have no idea there is an impressive purpose-built theatre on their doorstep.
Run by dedicated volunteer teams of semi-professionals and talented amateurs, Wokingham Theatre presents nine top quality main stage shows a year, including one performed by Wokingham Youth Theatre (WYT).
The youth theatre also offers classes for young people aged from Year 4 right through to Year 12.
There, they learn stagecraft and theatre skills, within a confidence-inspiring environment.
The emphasis is less on preparing them for a stage career (although some students do take this route), and more on helping them to enjoy and develop skills and talent that will support them in whatever they choose to do.
Annabel Brittain has been a WYT student since she was seven.
Now aged 17, she is looking forward to performing in the youth theatre’s production of Frankenstein in February next year.
“WYT really helped me grow in confidence,” she said.
“It can be tough being a teenage girl, and this has been a place where I have been supported to be myself, and not feel I had to try to be anyone else.
“It’s perhaps ironic that playing other roles, and exploring what it feels to behave and think like a different character, can actually help you understand yourself better.”
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Youth theatre director Diane Hogg says it is important that all WYT students feel welcomed.
“Children are not auditioned in any way to join the classes, which are structured and highly motivating,” she said.
“Each individual is encouraged to participate and to learn to their best level.
“As well as improvisation skills, listening skills, and voice and movement skills, young people also gain a high level of self-discipline, learning to work with and to support each other, and to grow and develop as performers and as people.”
“I really see WYT as my second family,” said Annabel.
“My closest friends are there – I don’t go to school with them, and I don’t see them anywhere else – yet they are the people I’ve grown to know so well as we share something we love to do together, making theatre.
“And I’ve learnt so much – I can cope with feeling nervous, I’m confident when public speaking, and I know I can perform under pressure – all things that will help me in interviews, for example.
“But it’s also so much fun, and gets me out of my head a bit, when I’ve had a difficult day – you can leave everything behind for a while.”
As well as showcasing their work during the year, and the Senior group’s annual February half term production, students also have opportunities to take part in the theatre’s adult shows.
Aged 11, Annabel and another student shared the role of William, in Goodnight Mr Tom.
“Bob, playing Mr Tom, was brilliant with us – he helped guide us through the show and really supported us both.
“Whenever I see him, we still stop for a chat, and it’s one of my favourite things that at Wokingham Theatre you make friends with people you wouldn’t otherwise have met.
“Working with adults, aged 11, I was able to develop my social skills.
“I learned how to speak with adults, what was appropriate, how to be professional, and how to work together as a company.”
WYT doesn’t operate as a commercial business.
“This really comes through in the classes,”said Annabel.
“It’s not a money making opportunity, everything is focused on the learning, and on developing the young people’s skills and confidence.
“The tutors really are there for the kids, ensuring they enjoy learning and have a good time.
“They know each young person well, and often tailor classes to help each individual thrive.”
Annabel, seen here with her sister Lucy, says that some of her best childhood memories have been made at Wokingham Theatre.
“My time there has been truly unique, and I know I will be heartbroken when I eventually leave, but the friendships will continue.”
Wokingham Youth Theatre Juniors (Year 4 to Year 6) meet on Saturday mornings at 9am.
Two groups of Inters (Intermediates, Year 7 to Year 9) meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5.30pm, and two groups of Seniors meet on Mondays and Tuesdays at 5.30pm.
All classes last two hours, and are usually held at Wokingham Theatre.
Terms are 11 sessions long, each term costing £110 per child, per term.
Places are currently open for new joiners, and parents are invited to contact WYT via the theatre website, at: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
