Scene Three: Youth Theatre 1976-1999
Local children have always been an integral part of the Theatre. We believe that acting builds confidence, improves social interaction and encourages team work. And so, 1976 was a momentous year as Dawn Groves, a talented ex-professional stage actress, founded the highly successful youth theatre. Over 40 years later, the youth section continues to form a central core to all our objectives. Many adult members were once youth members or have children who are, or were, youth members. Holybourne Youth Theatre grows each year and never ceases to amaze, catering for ages six to seventeen. Saturday morning classes are split into four age groups to cater for nearly 100 members.
Each session covers all aspects of theatre, drama, dance and music. Sessions include drama games, improvisation and acting techniques, character development, vocal techniques (voice projection and singing), choreography and staging and directing of plays, each presented in a way which is relevant to the ages of the children.
Membership fees are kept low through the support of many willing volunteers and we are fortunate to have numerous DBS checked matrons to supervise the children and young adults in accordance with current regulations. Holybourne Theatre believes its group of volunteers are some of the best around.
Many of our youth members progress into acting and directing in the adult section and continue their drama studies through college and university.
Can you help with missing dates or photos?
Ghostbusters 19xx
Children's Party 1977
The Year of the Child 1979
Jenny and the Lucky Bags 1982
The Evacuees 1984
Wizard of Oz 1985
Easter Hats workshop 1987
The Factory Children 1987
Wizard of Oz 1999
Space Junk 2001
Card Play 2002
Crotchet, Quavers and a Crowbar 2003
Kes 2003
Summer School 2003
Dark River 2005
Blood Wedding 2007
Wind in the Willows 2007
The Water Engine 2007
The Witches 2009
James and the Giant Peach 2009
Annie 2010
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2011
Wizard of Oz 2012
Oliver 2013
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 2014
The Twits 2016
Adventures in Wonderland 2017
Wind in the Willows 2019
In 1977, Holybourne Dramatic Club was renamed ‘Holybourne Theatre’, mainly to emphasise that we were lucky to be one of the few amateur theatre groups in southern England to own our own land and theatre. The 1980s saw competitive success for Holybourne Theatre with wins in the Alton Arts Festival in 1980, 1981, 1983 and 1987. Furthermore, the Best Actress award was won by Dawn Groves at the 1982 Farnborough Arts Festival.
Some members are not interested in performing in front of an audience, but these are key people who enjoy the atmosphere and are glad to be part of the off-stage team. Everyone helps in whatever way they can, whether it is directing/ producing plays, building and painting sets, making costumes, helping out back stage, matroning or selling programmes! These members are the backbone of the group and without them the productions just wouldn’t happen!
Can you help with missing dates or photos?
Big Bad Mouse 1969
Cat on the Fiddle 1971
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Previous page: Scene Two: Moving Up 1960-1975
Next page: Scene Four: Growing Pains 2000-2020
