Burnley Youth Theatre was set up in 1973 and has grown into a vibrant, innovative charity which engages over 6500 children, young people and families per year through five strands; Youth Theatre, Professional Productions, Outreach, Education and Training. Our mission is to 'creatively inspire young people to take their next steps' and we use drama and the arts to develop local people to ensure they are confident, healthy, resilient and ready for the future. Our keys aims are:
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To enable ALL children, young people and families to create, participate in and watch quality theatre
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To allow ALL children, young people and families to realise their potential, develop their life skills and enhance their quality of life
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To embrace and celebrate diversity and equality, ensuring our organisation is representative of our local community and contemporary England
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To promote best practice in the safeguarding of young people, vulnerable adults, staff and volunteers.
We are running this campaign to raise money to deliver an exciting programme of activity to celebrate Burnley Youth Theatre turning 50. The organisation has developed so much over the past 50 years and we are now recognised as one of the most significant providers of youth arts in the country. We want to celebrate this growth and achievement by reflecting on our past and looking towards our future. Reaching our goal of £20,000 will help us to work with our current participants in new and exciting ways as well as engage with local schools and communities, who might not otherwise have access to creative activities. We have already received funding from Heritage Lottery Fund to support the staffing and resources of this project but we are now asking our supporters to help us fund the creative activity which will have a real impact on local people.