A theatre company in Chester is expanding with the launch of a youth theatre for teenagers this autumn.
Theatre in the Quarter already has a well-established young person’s group for children aged seven-13 in Jigsaw Music Theatre Company.
And now artistic director Matt Baker plans to build on the success of the company’s young people’s projects with the creation of an additional group for the older teenagers.
He said: “There is so much young talent in the city, and the new youth theatre will provide opportunity for teenagers to develop their skills in devising exciting theatre.
Youth theatre work is not a new venture for the company and successful projects include Some Sunny Day, Sweet Sixteen and Garden Lane The Musical .
Matt added: “With a new theatre for the city on the horizon, it feels the right time to establish a year-round group who can work with the best directors in creating new projects and become the actors and artists of the future.
“Many of our young people are now working as performers, musicians, actors and directors across the country, testament to the success of our excellent work.”
Jigsaw alumni include successful television and film actor Tom Hughes, named a BAFTA ‘Brit to Watch’ in 2011.
The former Upton High School student’s screen successes include the role of Chaz Jankel in the Ian Dury biopic Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Bruce Pearson in the Ricky Gervais film Cemetery Junction , and the troubled Julian in the recent BBC Two drama Dancing on the Edge .
Other alumni include fellow Upton High School students Joe Mann, who is enjoying his second season as an actor at the Pitlochry Festival, and Charlotte Jones, who achieved critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival last year with her show about the close harmony group The Harmonettes.
Jigsaw Music Theatre, now in its 22nd year, will continue for seven- to 13-year-olds.
Classes begin on Monday, September 16 at Chester Blue Coat Primary School.
The new youth theatre, for 14- to 19-year-olds will begin on Tuesday, September 17, at Garden Lane Church.
For more information, telephone Julie Elston on 07747 110933 or visit www.theatreinthequarter.co.uk .
