Summer 2025 Newsletter

We have had a fabulously creative and varied year at CTS. It has been wonderful to welcome new members and see established members develop skills and talents. We are very proud that some of our older company members are pursuing Theatre beyond CTS. This year, two members have started at CAPA College for Performing Arts in Wakefield; two are studying A Level Theatre Studies at Greenhead College and others are taking leading roles in productions in and around Halifax. Several students have taken on leadership roles in their schools, where they are using skills gained at CTS. Many are using expertise gained at CTS for Bronze, Silver & Gold DofE Awards.

We had great fun in December when all our members took part in a Play-in-a-Day event. The students worked in groups and were given a box of stimulus to create a piece of theatre. We also welcomed visiting artist, Lucy Fee, who made props and costumes from junk and recycled items. The drama made was extremely diverse and entertaining. It was rewarding for staff to see the skills and techniques taught and practised in sessions, used in their devised work. We had an enthusiastic audience that supported this elaborate box of tricks.

In the Spring Term, rehearsals for Frankenstein began. We were delighted to invite Katie Alcott onto our staff as Movement Director, which greatly enhanced the concept of the piece. The play was adapted by Rob Garrett, one of our established leaders and was performed at Fire & Water in Sowerby Bridge. The atmosphere and setting of this theatre space greatly suited the world of the play and the students created a very affecting piece of theatre. The cast had the opportunity to perform the show three times, which allowed them to refine their work and practise maintaining focus and consistency in performance. Ben and Rob directed the piece and supported cast members who sang. The effect was eerie, atmospheric and thought provoking. A journey into a timeless classic that still mirrored concerns of our current times. Costumes by Alison Roberts. Stage Art by Lisa Gort.

In the summer term, rehearsals for A Scary Play began. Our younger students entered a world of mystery and intrigue in a piece inspired by Judith Johnson and Walter De La Mare and adapted by Alison Field. The choreographed movement was created by the students and supported by their directors Jenny and Alison. They also learned how to perform in a new stage configuration, ‘Promenade’, where the audience follow the actors around the space. Different realities and scenes were staged in different locations, which created a sense of movement and pace. The result was immersive and challenged students to work with complex direction ideas. Projection and physical theatre were at the heart of this sometimes, abstract piece. The staff were very proud of the powerful ensemble created by these extremely mature and talented students. Costumes by Alison Roberts, Set Building by Tony Clark.

We are looking forward to lots of new exciting projects next year. Currently, we are waiting to hear if we have been successful with our application to take part in the National Theatre Connections programme. Watch this space! We will be rehearsing our usual timetable of productions in new and interesting venues, as well as continuing with our bespoke workshops. Please do tell friends and family about us. We are always ready to welcome new members. Our provision is unique in Calderdale, as we are now the only Youth Theatre that focuses on a broad experience of theatre techniques and approaches. We offer the opportunity for students to prepare for Further and Higher education courses in Theatre. For those not interested in a career in the arts, the skills we practise and nurture are central to those required in any workplace where teamwork, creative mindset and public speaking are required. Company members continue to form strong friendships and grow self-confidence.

We look forward to welcoming you all back next academic year. Well done to all our wonderful students and thank you for your continued support of our work.