Blackpool Grand Theatre is excited to relaunch the ‘Grand Young Company with a vision to provide excellence in the training and artistic development of young people with an interest in working towards future creative careers in theatre-making, performance and beyond.

The Blackpool Grand Theatre has firm roots with an in-house Young Company dating back to 1996. The company of the time staged numerous, excellent, high-quality productions including ‘Kes’ the stage adaptation of Barry Hine’s classic novel ‘A Kestrel for a Knave’ and ‘The Demon Headmaster’ which was a success on children’s television. In addition, new work was commissioned; ‘O-U-T Spells Out’ by David Holman, published by Heinemann and still enjoyed in schools.

Fast forward to 2015 when the company became part of the National Theatre Connections Programme and performed at Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre, Manchester Lowry and York Theatre Royal, additionally working with The RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company), ZooNation and James Wilton Dance to learn and develop new skills. During the COVID pandemic the company created a ‘digital’ new work, ‘Hope in Isolation’ that explored mental health and well-being during the exam process and school life.

The new class of 2023-2024 will have the opportunity to take part in a fun and exciting programme of activity consisting of creative and practical sessions, focused on building skills in professional performance and contemporary, collaborative theatre-making practice, delivered by

leading artists and theatre companies from across the UK. The group will also perform a new play as part of the nationwide National Theatre Connections Festival.

Adam Knight, Chief Executive of Blackpool Grand Theatre said; “I’m thrilled that we’re able to relaunch the Grand Young Company this Autumn. As a former member of the National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre myself, I know just how important it is for young people to be able to access high-quality opportunities to explore and develop their performance and theatre-making craft, to be inspired by experienced professionals, and to have pathways for future career opportunities whilst having fun, making new friends, and furthering their sense of belonging as an important and integral part of their local professional theatre.”

New company members will benefit from the Blackpool Grand’s unique ability to align the activity in the Theatre’s main stage and Studio spaces. The new programme allows the opportunity to watch visiting productions during their residency, in addition to bespoke workshops with cast members and creative teams, further enriching the development journey.

The Grand Young Company will be led by a former Young Company member, Mykey Young, the theatre’s recently appointed Creative Programmes Producer.

Members will have the opportunity to perform annually on the Blackpool Grand main stage and Studio theatres, in addition to providing access to ambitious nationwide initiatives that reach far beyond their hometown.

Celine Wyatt, Head of Creative Development & Learning at Blackpool Grand Theatre said; “I am delighted that we are relaunching the Grand Young Company, additionally one of the original members (1996) will lead this new company. Mykey Young was 10 years old when he first joined as a Young Company member, and now is our Creative Programmes Producer. The new company is in great hands, and since launching the first young company, I am proud of all the creative journeys and careers it has helped to launch.”

Blackpool Grand Theatre invites young people to join this exciting new relaunch of the Grand Young Company (for 14 to 19-year-olds).

Open ‘Audition Workshops’ will take place in the Blackpool Grand Theatre, Studio on, Thursday 28 & Friday 29 September 6pm to 8:30pm and Saturday 30 September 10am to 12:30pm & 1.30pm to 4:00pm. To book a place or for more information visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gyc.

Listing information

The Grand Young Company (for 14 to 19-year-olds)

Open ‘Audition Workshops’ will take place at The Grand Theatre Studio on:

Thursday, 28 September – 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Friday, 29 September – 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, 30 September – 10am to 12:30pm & 1.30pm to 4:00pm To book a place please visit our website www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/gyc

For more information contact Mykey Young, Creative Programmes Producer Blackpool Grand Theatre 01253 290111 or email, mykeyy@blackpoolgrand.co.uk