Coventry’s Albany Theatre launches youth initiative

The Albany Theatre in Coventry has expanded its Creative Engagement programme with two new youth theatre groups.

The Albany Youth Theatre (AYT) will offer sessions every Wednesday during term time, aiming to help young performers build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy regular performance opportunities.

Participants will also have the chance to learn about all the work that goes on behind the scenes and backstage at a theatre.

The new programmes are divided by age, offering a programme for juniors, aged eight to 11, and seniors, aged 12 to 15.

In the wake of Coventry’s year as City of Culture, “it’s a priority for us to keep theatre and the arts in the spotlight for people of all ages”, said the theatre’s Creative Engagement Coordinator, Vicky Basterfield.

“We believe that these two new groups, combined with our other Creative Engagement work, will help to maintain and improve accessibility to performing arts in the city.”

The Creative Engagement initiative includes other youth-focused programmes such as groups in local primary schools, with other education projects in the pipeline.

Basterfield said that the new classes have proved extremely popular and urged interested parents to make contact as soon as possible about last-minute spaces. 

“The AYT will be a place for young people to realise their ideas, develop and learn, all whilst having loads of fun, and we can’t wait to get started with this and many more exciting things on the horizon at the Albany,” she said.