Stamford Senior Youth Theatre "(SSYT)" is a theatre company based in Stamford.
The company devises and produces a new original performance annually, usually written by the company's artistic director. The company operates on a yearly timeline which runs from September to July. The devised performances are debuted in the resident theatre and then toured throughout local schools and theatres. SSYT resides at the Stamford Arts Centre.
The company is a member of the National Association of Youth Theatres (NAYT) and attends the Middlesbrough Youth Drama Festival annually.
History
Mary Benzies started running the Senior Youth Theatre in 2007, in the first year produced 'Multiplex' by Christopher William Hill about staff at a multiplex cinema. This was a massive success at the box office and got rave reviews from local news. This led to an increase of interest from young people who wished to get into performing arts. Mary chose to audition members for the 2008 Group instead of just letting everybody join. This meant that only selected members who were interested and dedicated to producing innovative, creative theatre would be accepted, leading to a massive boost in the professionalism and standard or performance by the company.
Funding
SSYT is primarily funded by South Kesteven District Council and its company's members.
Company management
Class Teachers
Mary Benzies Company Director (2007–Present) Claudia Calardo Choreographer (2009–Present)
Creative Team
Adrian Hill Technical Director (2007–Present)
Notable Members
Previous notable members of SSYT:
Previous productions
Multiplex (2008) By Christopher William Hill
DNA
Unknown Writer
Dress Up Day (2009) By Mary Benzies
TalkEase (2010) By Mary Benzies
Hang On (2011) By Mary Benzies
Torchbearer (2012) By Mary Benzies