The East Leeds Youth Theatre holds regular Thursday night workshops for 30 young people (aged 8-15) at local schools in the area.
Held at Parklands Primary (in the middle of Seacroft) the theatre is led by Sara Allkins, a professional actor and youth worker. Two theatres run on Thursdays: the Juniors aged 7-11 years meet 3.30-5pm, and the Seniors, 12-19 years, 5-7pm. Young people use drama to explore themes and create performances.
Below are some quotes from young people involved with the project:
“If it weren’t for this, I’d just be like playing Xbox twenty-four seven. It’s like I did nothing before this and now I’ve found something I’m good at…”
“If I wasn’t here, I’d be hanging out on the streets causing trouble. I’m a bit of a bad kid, always fighting and messing about, so yeah, that’s what I’d be doing. But I love acting, and Sara says I’m talented…”
Watch a video slide-show of the East Leeds Youth Theatre group:
http://eastleedsyouththeatre.blogspot.com/2009/11/animotocom.html
