The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven prides itself on nurturing new talent and its Youth Theatre, for many, is where the magic of theatre all begins. The Youth Theatre (YT) is a programme for young people aged seven to 18 that helps them to understand what it is to be a theatre maker and the opportunities are endless.

Each week, the young people are encouraged to build their confidence through creative and engaging skill-building sessions, led by the Torch Theatre’s dedicated team. These sessions are not just about acting and theatre; the young people also learn about social skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. Most importantly they have fun and make new friends.

This year its youth theatre participants will be involved in two national programmes. The seven to 11-year-olds will be working on two fantastic new plays commissioned as part of Positive Stories for Difficult Times in association with Wonder Fools, Traverse and Youth Theatre Arts Scotland. Whilst young people aged 15-18 will be taking part in the UK wide National Theatre Connections programme.

The Torch Youth Theatre operates on seven key principles as Tim Howe, Senior Manager: Youth and Community explains:

“Here at the Torch, we provide regular connection for young people with their peers, we encourage the development of young people’s imagination, we promote creative, physical, and educational activity as well as offering the opportunity for young people to learn new skills. In addition to these we also support the development of methods for critical thinking, we provide space for young people to understand the world around us and finally, and most importantly, we enable young people to understand themselves.”

The Torch Youth Theatre is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of development and ability and its Youth and Community Autumn Programme is supported by the Milford Haven Port Authority and Ingles trust.

Tim added: “We are aware that every young person develops at their own rate and ability is not always linked to age. We aim to make reasonable adjustments to our delivery to ensure that each group provides the best fit for everyone, so our young people can make the most of their experiences.

“We seek to engage young people in creative safe spaces which allow them to express themselves; to work out what matters to them, what they are passionate about, and how to tell everyone about that. We believe that the young people we work with have the power to make their own stories, and change how we all see our world,” concluded Tim.

The Torch Youth Theatre Autumn term starts on the week commencing 18 September with sessions held on the following days during term time:

Group 1: School years 3 and 4 meet on TUESDAYS 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Group 2: School years 5 and 6 meet on WEDNESDAYS 4:30pm to 6:00pm 

Group 3: School years 7, 8, and 9 meet on TUESDAYS 6.30pm to 8:00pm 

Group 4: School years 10, 11, 12 and 13 meet on WEDNESDAYS 7:30pm to 9:30pm 

There is also a Youth Theatre session held every week during term time, but there is no pressure to attend each one of these.

If this sounds like something that appeals and you are interested in being part, please contact the Torch Theatre’s box office team on 01646 694192 and they will be happy to book you in for your taster session.

For more information, and to begin your creative journey, contact the Torch Theatre’s Senior Manager: Youth and Community, Tim Howe –tim@torchtheatre.co.uk or 01646 695267.