Commitment acknowledged...

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Friday the 26th of August and it’s raining…not only is it raining but the sky looks pretty set to carry on doing so for the rest of the day…we’d arranged to have a picnic to celebrate the drawing to a close of the Summer holidays and the success of our Nostell Performance “Duel.” Last year’s version had been a lovely event, glorious sunshine, a long relaxing afternoon and many a game of that’s out…This time however we are not so lucky and it had been touch and go throughout the morning as to whether I cancelled it. There are 20 or so YTYT members expected and I start to wonder if many of them will show as a result of the horrid weather however as is usually the case I needn’t have worried…

By 1.30 despite the rain 20 youth theatre members had duly assembled and although admittedly there were varying degrees of enthusiasm emanating from the individuals present they had all been committed enough to turn up. Not only did they turn up but after we’d had a look around the house most of them went on a mile and a half walk to start sussing out the lay of the land for our Halloween event…even more impressive when you factor in that about half of them won’t be able to be in the final performance.

Once I started considering this element of youth theatre I realized I’d seen so many examples of commitment just in the one week. From the people who’d done 11 hour days on Thursday to those unable to take part in performances but offering to help with the creative process…from my Sapphire Company who as soon as they were asked made sure everyone knew that the term was starting early to the people who’ve come to so many of the Summer days to learn as much as they can through the holiday.

Commitment is one of the vital things that fuels the youth theatre and I’m so appreciative of the generosity with which so many people give it…I like to think you’re rewarded for your loyalty and the time that you so readily give to Yew Tree we certainly strive to ensure that’s the case…so as the new term begins and a whole new set of challenges and demands await you this is a reassurance that your commitment whenever you give it is always wholly appreciated…

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