Three reasons why spending half term with Yew Tree Youth Theatre is a delight...

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We did Halloween at Nostell Priory this week, we also did Zombie walks at the Hepworth this week and so we were out and about in public an enormous amount…it was tiring and it was challenging but it was also, as ever, a complete pleasure. 

I’ve been reflecting on why spending so much time in the cold and in a state of continual readiness all week is in fact a pleasure and these are some of the reasons I’ve come up with.  Firstly its so lovely to watch actors enjoying each other’s company whether this is in rehearsals or before the show when a certain amount of ridiculousness is sprinkled amongst the serious preparation.  I know how much support you get from each other and how much laughter you generate together and at your best you are the most brilliant friends anyone could ask for!  However that’s not the whole story regarding watching you together…one of the nicest things for me is at the end of performances when you can’t wait to share your stories of the night or tell someone how well they have done…the atmosphere then is simply wonderful…

Secondly there’s the work you make…whether it’s being the undead or keeping the undead in check, whether it’s scripted or improvised, whether it’s traditional theatre or sight specific performance, whether it’s to an audience of 100’s or just 1 you work so hard to make everything we do the best it can be.  This makes my job as a director so easy…and so enjoyable…

Thirdly it’s the feedback we get…I have lost count of the times I was told this week how professional you are, how brilliant you are, how lovely you are.  This is then coupled with the amount of you that tell me how much you’ve enjoyed it and parents who check in to let me know how much they know their son or daughter is getting out of it… it really does feel like I have the best job in the world.

So casts of this half terms shows feel proud of yourself for lots of reasons and perhaps more importantly feel proud of the youth theatre you are part of!

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