Discover more about Saturday Youth Theatre
We spoke to Saturday Youth Theatre teacher Emily LaPlante about what youth theatre is all about, and her experience working with both Primary and Secondary School aged students this past term.
Who are you? What do you do, what is your background/training?
My name is Emily LaPlante, I’m a graduate from Central’s MA Applied Theatre course, a drama facilitator, theatre maker, and now also the Short Courses Administrator here at Central!
Last term, I had the pleasure of teaching two of the Saturday Youth Theatre classes. With my background in theatre, performance and directing, as well as facilitation with community groups, Saturday Youth Theatre has been a beautiful mix of many of my interests as a theatre maker.
What has been your experience on Saturday Youth Theatre?
Saturday Youth Theatre is a wonderful space for young people to explore what interests them in the realm of theatre. While teaching, I was inspired by the imagination, creativity, and passion the young people brought to the space each week.
The aim of Saturday Youth Theatre is to hold an empowering space for young people to tap into their imagination, delve into what matters to them, and express their extraordinary ideas. For example, last term with my Secondary School aged students, we created a devised piece about mental health as a young person. Over 5 weeks, we built the piece from creative writing and movement exercises.
With my Primary School aged students, we spent the 5 weeks exploring storytelling through games, movement, adventures, and even some song and dance. Both classes were incredible (and the highlight of my week)!
Who is Saturday Youth Theatre for?
Saturday Youth Theatre is for any young person between the ages of 6 and 17 who is interested in drama, self-expression, building skills like confidence and collaboration, or just to have fun making theatre!
What is the format of Saturday Youth Theatre?
Classes run every Saturday for 10 weeks. The upcoming term runs from Saturday 30 April - Saturday 9 July
Primary School Aged classes run from 10am-12pm and Secondary School Aged classes are from 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Saturday Youth Theatre is a 10 week, termly course, held onsite at Central’s Swiss Cottage Campus.
Dates: Saturday 30 April 2022 – Saturday 9 July 2022 (10 weeks)
Please note - there will be no classes on Saturday 4 June for half term
