Birmingham & District Theatre Guild

Youth Participation

Many years ago the Guild acknowledged the importance of involving youth in their festivals What are the benefits: Young people can enjoy benefits from youth theatre, including: •developing confidence, self discipline and self esteem •improving communication skills and developing teamwork skills •broadening young people’s horizons through new experiences • Increased understanding and knowledge of relevant issues •having fun and being creative Youth theatre has been considered a safe space in which young people could explore issues, take risks and test their emotional and physical boundaries. Youth theatre also provides a way to engage young people, to learn and explore issues. Youth groups are encouraged to enter our one-act festival - they have their own marking system and awards. Within the one-act festival a session on Sunday afternoon is put aside for individual youth entries, these include singing, poetry recital, solo and duo drama. Entry form Set poems Aged under 14 Set poems Aged 14-18 Years Youth groups can take part in our full-length festival but will be judged on an equal footing with adults.