Rainbow Youth Theatre
Group Details
- Age Range: From 8 years old
- Rehearsals: Sunday
Location
- Town: Washington
- County: Tyne and Wear
- Region: North East
Contact
- Email: rainbowyt [at] btopenworld [dot] com
- Phone: 01914163454
- Website: http://www.rainbowyouththeatre.co.uk/
2007 sees the 25th anniversary of Rainbow Youth Theatre. The group did not actually begin with that name though. Until 2002 the name was Fatfield Operatic Society (Junior Section), commonly known as “The Juniors”. It began when the the producer of the adult section decided it was a shame to split up the team of children they had for their production of “Carousel”.
After several pantos and musicals the producer had to leave but the group carried on, organised by two members of the adult section who had helped run the group from it’s formation.
In 2002 the committee decided to change the name because a) it was believed the word “operatic” was hampering recruitment and b) the group could not recieve any kind of funding as long as it rang on the constitution of the adult section. So they became an independant body and were re-named “The Rainbow Youth Theatre”.
Over the yeatrs RYT have performed Shakespeare, comedy, drama and musicals. Summer Schools are held each year, where members make costumes, props, scenery, learn stage management and perform a show from scratch in 7 days!
Since 2002 the group had completed 3 performance tours of France, Germany & Belgium and most recently, Holland.
Many of the past members have gone onto careers in the entertainemnt industry and also teaching drama and music. Some of them have also returned as volunteer tutors to pass on what they have learned to the current crop. RYT’s current musical director and stage manager are both past members.
This year is the groups 25th anniversary and have a celebratory concert in October in which some past members are performing alongside the current members. One member is also being awarded one of NODA’s 25 year long service medals.
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