Youth Theatre Weekend Classes from 6 years
The Maddermarket Theatre has had a thriving Youth Theatre for over thirty years, providing the first all important steps for young people (aged 6yrs +) wanting to make a career in the theatre, or those who wish to have a hobby that gives them a unique way of expressing themselves.

The course follows the academic year, with a detailed syllabus for each of the three terms. Each term students will develop specific theatre skills at a level relevant to their age and ability.

They will experience disciplines such as story-telling, improvisation and devising, movement, mask work, characterisation, vocal development and how to approach text, whilst learning how to convey action, atmosphere and tension through different theatre styles.

The final class of each term will take the form of an open workshop, presentation of work in progress, or performance to which friends and family are invited.

The classes are run by our professional teaching staff, who continue to work in theatre themselves. Specialists are brought in, as required, to give tuition in other areas of theatre such as mask-work, set design, costume, lighting and sound, and stage-combat.

Click here to download an application form for Youth Theatre and LAMDA classes...

Youth Singing Group from 12 years £45.00
Our Singing Group gives students the opportunity to learn basic singing skills, gain confidence in a relaxed and fun environment and sing a variety of different material - modern, classical, choral and from the musicals. Members will eventually work toward festivals, competitions and seasonal events gaining skills ready for Musical Theatre productions.

A discount is available for those wishing to attend both singing and acting classes – please telephone the education department for details.

All Youth Theatre Applications & Re-enrolments

Due to demand for places, applications and re-enrolments must be received at least 2 weeks before the start of term. It may only be possible to add your application to our waiting list, but we will endeavour to offer you a place as soon as one becomes available. For new enrolments please check availability before sending the fee.

Many of our students have gone on to Drama School and currently work in professional theatre. Being known for our professional training standards, we have been called upon to provide young actors for local and national television and film productions.

All students are expected to be punctual and show a high level of commitment. Those who are absent for two consecutive classes, without notifying their tutor in advance, will forfeit their place on the course.

All Youth Theatre Applications & Re-enrolments

Due to demand for places, applications and re-enrolments must be received at least 2 weeks before the start of term. It may only be possible to add your application to our waiting list, but we will endeavour to offer you a place as soon as one becomes available. For new enrolments please check availability before sending the fee.

Many of our students have gone on to Drama School and currently work in professional theatre. Being known for our professional training standards, we have been called upon to provide young actors for local and national television and film productions.

All students are expected to be punctual and show a high level of commitment. Those who are absent for two consecutive classes, without notifying their tutor in advance, will forfeit their place on the course.

Individual Tuition from £25.00ph (for under 18 years only)
One–to-one tuition can be invaluable for students who may wish to prepare for drama college, improve their chances at auditions, develop their vocal and presentation skills.

Sessions by appointment. Please call the Education Department.

A Dream Play

A new version of August Strindberg’s ‘A Dream Play’ will be performed by the Maddermarket Youth Theatre production group on Sunday, July 11 (7.30pm). Tickets cost £5.00 (concessions £3.00).

A young woman comes from another world to see if life is really as difficult as people make it out to be. Characters merge into each other, locations change in an instant, and a locked door becomes an obsessively recurrent image in Strindberg’s 1901 play.

Strindberg wrote in his preface that he wanted to “imitate the disjointed yet seemingly logical shape of a dream. Everything can happen, everything is possible and probable. Time and place do not exist.”

Caryl Churchill’s spare and resonant new version was first staged at the National Theatre, London, in a production by Katie Mitchell. The Maddermarket production will include additional material by Katie Mitchell and the company.