Highbridge Youth Theatre helps young people become producers

A small group of NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people  worked on SYT’s first lighting, sound and tech project titled ‘LX:1'.

Through a series of open access tech workshops with Bright* Productions & SYT, these young people, who had no experience of Theatre Production became an 'incredible production team' for Scary Cellar Tours at Sopha furniture shop on Church Street.

Highlights of the tours can be viewed on the Somerset Youth Theatre YouTube channel.

The young people learnt skills in design, lighting, sound, and set, and even gained an Arts Award in recognition of their hard work.

A spokesperson for Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council said: "Watching this group of young people, working in tandem with Highbridge Youth Theatre Company has been humbling and inspiring.

"Great things really can happen when you put young people in the driving seat!  

"The young people involved have all expressed an increase in confidence and well-being through the project."

This is the first of their ‘LX’ projectsm and from January they will move into LX:2, with more workshops for young people to learn skills in performance, tech, production and the behind-the-scenes roles.  

SYT hold weekly sessions across Somerset, including their Panto in a Week holiday club in December.

If you or someone you know works with young people who might like to be involved or for more info, email info@somersetyt.com.

SYT gave a thanks to Matt, Emily and the team at Sopha who helped to bring the project to life.

“You’ve shown what can happen when community partners work together to give young people opportunities to thrive through Theatre and the Arts,” they said.

They also thanked Seed Sedgemoor, Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Town Council, Bright* Productions, Bravo events, Rev Martin and the team at St John’s Church Highbridge, and Dave at Ledger Solutions.