Funded by Arts Council England this project consisted of workshops with over 10 local community groups an a large scale performance. Our team helped to produce the show and were responsible for a variety of roles. Jack Riley directed the show, and oversaw all creative decisions of the project. Movement Specialist Faith Adams choreographed the main dance for the project, and taught sessions with the theatre to bring the dance to life. We worked alongside the technical company Xepheiria, to install audio, lighting and visual equipment, and run the technical aspects of the live show. Brad Firth worked as the Musical Director, producing tracks for the project and controlling the live sound. Workshops for the project were carried out by Jack Riley and Alf Coles, who worked as facilitators on the Creepy Campfire Tales project.

In partnership with the Darton East Councillors as part of the Love Where You Live funding BYT performed Mapplewell Memories. A selection of scenes, percussion parade and musical number the piece celebrated the history of Mapplewell while challenging an intragenerational divide. This was first brought to the assisted living Mapplewell Manor followed by a performance in Map park.

In a captivating performance held in April 2023, Barnsley Youth Theatre collaborated with Chol Theatre to bring the powerful story of local mining families to life. Set in the unique location of RSPB Old Moor, the site-specific, promenade performance entitled 'On The Coal Face' was based on oral testimonies from those directly affected by the mining industry.

This moving performance showcased the talent and dedication of the young performers of BYT as they gave voice to the stories of local mining families. Through their heartfelt portrayals, the audience was transported back in time and able to experience the struggles, joys, and triumphs of those who lived and worked in the mining community.

'On The Coal Face' was a testament to the importance of preserving and honouring local heritage through the arts. BYT and Chol Theatre demonstrated how oral history can be transformed into an impactful and thought-provoking performance that connects with audiences of all ages. This unforgettable event is sure to leave a lasting impression and spark important conversations about the history and legacy of the mining industry in Barnsley.

 #HeritageFundUK

In March 2023 Barnsley Youth Theatre embarked on an exciting project with Chol Theatre to explore the rich mining heritage of their local community. As part of their research, the young performers had the incredible opportunity to take an underground tour of the National Coal Mining Museum. This immersive experience allowed them to gain firsthand insight into the lives of the miners and their families and to gather valuable material for their upcoming performance.

By going underground, the BYT performers were able to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the coal mines in a way that brought history to life. This research was invaluable in helping them to create a moving tribute to the miners and their families, and to showcase the incredible talent of the young people of Barnsley.

In January and February of 2023 the BYT participants took part in a game show style competition exercise where they had to carry out a mini challenge which selected the groups they would be working in. In the main challenge the young people had 30 seconds to grab props and technical equipment. With this equipment they then had to write a script, deliver and elevator pitch, shoot and edit the film. this was then watched back in a viewing party all within 1 hour and 30 mins.

At the end of 2022 BYT's young people scripted, improvised, voice recorded, created foley SFX and edited 3 radio plays based on improvements that they would like to see in Barnsley. This project culminated in listening party where decision makers where invited from the local council to engage in discussions about possible solutions to the improvements suggested by the young people.

As Part of a 3 year project plan BYT'S Creepy Campfire Tails made a storm at RSPB Old Moor in 2022, gaining outstanding feedback. The outpour of support for this project is making way for development and growth in the future having a wider community impact.

BYT is very lucky to be able to work and collaborate with such amazing arts companies such as Chol Theatre.

In 2022 the BYT crew embarked on writing filming and editing a short film. Here are some images from the process.

In this workshop we made learning fun through the use of drama games. Covering key development skills such as teamwork and effective communication.

A BYT production of A Fallen Star was performed in December of 2021 and was written by Jack Riley, directed by Eloise Bonney and featured an original music score composed by Brad Firth.

Here are some pictures from the Halloween workshop/ party of 2021 where participants enjoyed a buffet, dressed up in their best Halloween attire and played classic spooky drama games.

In September and October 2021 BYT were commissioned by Barnsley Council to create a workshop and street theatre performance centre around climate and the benefits of walking to school. Ultimately BYT delivered 8 street theatre performances  and 21 workshops around five schools across Barnsley including Shawlands Primary School, Joseph Lock Primary School Wosborough Common, Wellgate Primary School and Wilthorpe Junior and Infants.

In August 2021 renowned casting director Nicci Topping contacted Barnsley Youth Theatre about a feature film casting opportunity. BYT facilitated and organised the casting call, held at Emmanuel Methodist Church, that was open to children in Barnsley aged 8-12. 

On the 1st of June BYT brought the online weekly workshops to close in an attempt to bring back the in-person workshops. This was marked by and online workshare that was open to parents.

The two hour half term workshop focused on having fun and living in the moment.

The BYT Online initiative was set up to provide young people across Barnsley the opportunity to gain drama skills and socialise even in a pandemic.

BYT's show stopping 2018 performance of Seussical The Musical.

At the end of the year BYT like to celebrate with the famous end of the year party.

BYT's production of Oliver was Originally staged at Carlton Community College but then toured around the venues such as the Lamproom, working with the likes of LS Theatre Productions.

BYT Love to celebrate their students talent with the BYT awards ceremony.

In 2015 BYT brought to you the hit pantomime Cinderella.

In 2014 BYT performed Little Mermaid with the young company. Ages 8-12.

My Fair Lady Was performed in 2014

In 2014 BYT was asked to preform for the Mayor and local MPs where they delivered extracts from The Lion King and Seussical The Musical

In 2013 BYT staged the vibrant and colourful show Joseph and the technicolour dream coat.

In December of 2011 48 young people from BYT performed The Rocky Horror Monster Show by Malcom Sircom.

In July 2011 BYT Performed Guys and Dolls.

in September 2010 BYT went to see the musical Legally Blonde.

In July 2010 BYT Performed the musical thoroughly modern Millie.

In the Easter of 2010 BYT took a trip to London where they watched performances and took part in workshops with pineapple dance studios.

In Easter 2010 BYT performed A View From the Bridge.

In 2010 BYT Devised and performed a physical theatre piece.

In February 2010 BYT fun Cinderella at Foulstone school.

In December 2009 BYT went to see the musical Hairspray.

In 2009 BYT performed the Pirates of Penzance.

In 2009 BYT performed the play Teachers where the local news were quick to publish articles regarding the performance.

In Easter 2009 BYT facilitated Residential to London.

In 2008 BYT took performances to the Big Youth Theatre Festival.

BYT seussical The Musical, The lamproom Theatre 2008

in 2008 BYT facilitated a residential to London.

In 2007 Barnsley Youth Theatre, Barnsley Children's Theatre and Barnsley Youth Dance theatre presented the Christmas spectacular.

In 2007 BYT attended the annual big theatre festival Where they camped, cooking food for themselves.

In 2007 BYT performed Willy Russell Our Day Out.

In the Easter of 2007 BYT facilitated residential to London.

In 2006 BYT facilitated a trip to Alton Towers.

In 2006 BYT performed the Little shop of horrors.

In 2006 BYT facilitated residential to London.

In 2005 BYT took their hit contemporary recreation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to the Edinburgh fringe festival.

In 2005 BYT performed A contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare's 12th night

BYT performed Oliver in 2005

In Easter 2005 BYT facilitated residential to London.

In 2004 BYT performed William Shakespeare's a Midsummer Nights Dream.

In Easter 2004 BYT facilitated residential to London.

In 2004 BYT staged the hit musical Bugsy Malone.

In 2003 BYT perform the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph and the technicolour dream coat.

In the December of 2002 BYT then known as (PADS) Staged a Christmas spectacular along with Barnsley Youth Dance Theatre.

In 2002 BYT tour local primary schools where they performed the Wizard of Oz.

In 2001 BYT Staged Oliver at the London theatre where they sold tickets for £1.

In the year of 2000 BYT staged the production Bugsy Malone.

In 1999 BYT performed Robin of Sherwood.

In 1998 BYT was a part of Blast Off.

In 1997 BYT Staged performance of The Trojans

In 1990 6BYT staged performance of The six wives of Henry.

In 1995 BYT Staged performances of freedom Road.

In 1994 BYT performed Dracula spectacular.

These are the oldest known images of BYT the people in these images are the real OG's of BYT. (look it up)