BurnleyYouth Theatre is a youth theatre at the heart of the community in Burnley, Lancashire. Established in 1973 it has created shows, tours and performances, including new and existing work. Working with young people from 0 to 25, the theatre operates from its purpose built theatre just next to Queens Park, it was the first purpose built youth theatre in the UK, and opened its doors in 2005. Activities include drama workshops, dance workshops, production auditions, volunteering for front of house or technical duties, and working towards a qualification such as the Arts Award. These sessions run weekly alongside, education projects, work in the community and a range of arts-based activities. The theatre also works with a range of young people in outreach activities and partake in community cohesion work in Burnley.
History
Established in 1973, the organization worked from a converted old shed and depended on volunteers to ensure the successful running of the organisation. On average, the theatre developed and delivered 6 to 10 shows annually at that time. The shed was known as the Quarry Theatre, because the theatre sat in the heart of a disused quarry site. The theatre remains on the same site today. In 1997, the organisation took on its first full time worker, Jacky Riddell and worked towards the development of a range of activities, and the development of Burnley Youth Theatre as a charity and a company limited by guarantee. This meant that the organisation could begin to explore other means of generating funds. In 1999 it was given RFO status, and began receiving public funds. In 2001 Lisa O'Neil Rogan became the first youth arts worker, and began working more extensively in the community, ensuring that young people who would not normally attend the youth theatre were able to benefit from the work that went on there. Throughout this period, a colossal effort was made to raise funds to develop a new building. In 2004, these efforts began to take shape. The organisation was awarded lottery funding and money from NWDA and the building began in earnest, and it opened its doors in 2005.
Moira Preston Building
In 2013 the old Burnley Youth Theatre buildings was demolished and permission was given to build a second building with additional rehearsal space. The building is now complete and is officially opened on 29 March, 2014 as The Moira Preston Building. Collectively with Burnley Youth theatre the site will be Burnley Arts Centre, home of Burnley Youth Theatre.
