The Merchant of Venice – William Shakespeare
Mission Statement
To bring the youth of Berkhamsted and the surrounding area education in all aspects of the Theatre.
Prologue
Berkhamsted Youth Theatre was originally formed though BAODS Theatre Company. On the 6th March 1983 a formal proposal was presented to the committee of BAODS by 4 of their members. This proposal outlined the need for a junior section of BAODS in order to feed the growth of youth involvement in the Theatre.
Approval was given and the members were given £25.00 from funds to publicise the group.
At this time BAODS was performing 'Carousel' so it was the ideal opportunity to involve those children in the show to form a Junior Membership.
In May 1984 the 1st newsletter was sent to Junior BAODS telling them of the plans and in July that same year, a newsletter went out inviting young people to audition for the first "no adults production of" 'Wizard of OZ' (performed in January 1985). At the end of the show there were 35 members and £100.00's in the bank.
In the ensuing years the committee decided that in order to develop the Youth Theatre it needed it's own identity. This was pioneered by Janet Cartwright and Linda Horsfall and BYT was formed.
A logo was designed by Harry Sheldon and Neil Lindsey, a constitution was drawn up and membership was opened up to the community.
To date BYT has had over 500 members from all the local schools and have put on over 50 productions and numerous charity performances.
BYT is here to stay !
BYT News
17th July
Spring 2011 show week will be 10th to 16th April.Any suggestions for future productions would be welcomed by the committee
Send any ideas to Fi Clain.
13th July
1st rehearsal for 'Humbug' will be Wednesday 8th
September from 6:30 to 8:30 at Haresfoot
school.Subsequent rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons between 2 and 5 and Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 8:30.