East Lothian Youth Theatre offers East Lothian residents aged 5-18 the opportunity to participate in weekly drama classes throughout the academic year.

Participating in Youth Theatre is an excellent way to meet new friends, grow in confidence, learn and develop performance and stage skills. All the classes are taught by qualified and experienced professionals who have a background in performance arts. Through weekly workshops the tutors strive to share their knowledge and experience with the groups and help them fulfil their potential.

Drama can be greatly beneficial for all ages but particularly for young people. The skills developed in our workshops fit in with the Curriculum for Excellence and also improve social interaction skills. The aim of the Youth Theatre is to tailor workshops to the needs of the participants, and by doing so ensure that they are open to create and share in a safe working environment.

The classes are split into four age ranges and can offer support and encouragement to all, from those taking their first steps in drama, to those more focused on developing skills for the stage.

Classes are available across East Lothian:

5-8: Longniddry and Dunbar
The 5-8 groups focus on developing confidence, language and group work skills. Activities are primarily undertaken as a whole group using in-role stories alongside games and activities to ensure the class is fun and fully interactive.

8-12: Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Port Seton, Longniddry, Haddington, North Berwick and Dunbar
The 8-12 group aims to develop the group's concentration and focus by slowly progressing their drama skills. The children do games, activities and scene work each week and will work towards different performances at the end of each term.

12-15: Musselburgh Studio, Musselburgh Stage (Audition entry) Prestonpans and North Berwick
The 12-15 group steps up the level of performance and acting required. The workshops are more challenging but are always planned to meet the needs of the group. They will work towards a couple of longer performance per year and continuously develop their skills in various drama forms.

15+: Musselburgh Senior (Audition entry)
The seniors work on advanced performance skills and material; they are the Youth Theatre representatives and undertake a role-model stance for the other groups. They perform a couple of times a year on the Brunton stage and are often asked to participate in other community theatre events throughout the year.

The Youth Theatre is always looking to grow and develop so if there isn't a class in your area or for your age range please call and find out what's coming up. Sessions are paid for termly and in advance. For more information or to book a place, please email: artsservice@eastlothian.gov.uk or call 0131 6659900.