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
28th December
"Millie" rehearsals will be on Sundays 2 to 5 and Mondays
6:30 to 8:30 at Haresfoot23rd December
Next Show
The next BYT show is to be the musical – ‘THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE’.
This will be performed at the Court Theatre, Pendley on the 3rd to 5th May 2012, with all cast needing to be available for the whole of show week- 29th April to 5th May.
There will be a familiarisation workshop on Monday 16th Jan, 6.30 to 8.30PM at haresfoot School and the auditions will be held on Sunday 22nd Jan.
If you wish to audition, please keep all day on Sunday 22nd January free. The day will be split into various sessions with timing details sent in the New Year.
AGM
The 2012 AGM will be held on Thursday 14th June 2012 September.
