From Wonderland to Oz

Charlotte Byron has been assisting with the Junior Youth Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz. In this blog, she shares her experience of assisting and how it has helped her, not only as a performer but as a person.

“Youth Theatre has always been something I have really enjoyed and the Junior Youth Theatre shows were always a highlight, especially Alice in Wonderland where I played the Red Queen. So when the opportunity to help out with this year’s show came up I couldn’t say no to a trip to Oz!

I can honestly say it has been something I have really enjoyed and found very rewarding.

Personally, seeing the show from a rehearsal point of view has been really insightful to the world of directing and I’m incredibly grateful that the Youth Theatre continue to give me and others opportunities to grow not only as performers but also as people. Throughout assisting on this year’s show I feel I have had the opportunity to develop leadership skills through leading warm ups and helping with all the different year groups.

Building relationships with the different year groups has to be the most rewarding thing about the whole process, meeting new people and becoming a kind of role model to the younger years is something you cannot put a price on. Saturday rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz have become the highlight of my week, as turning up to see the familiar faces of the Green Cast never fails to put a smile on my face.

I am incredibly proud to be a member of the Youth Theatre and to have been a part of what is guaranteed to be a fantastic show! Although I’m not sure I want this experience to come to an end I cannot help but wish the show would come around quicker! I cannot wait to see the finished show and for everyone to see the passion and hard work the Youth Theatre have for drama.

There really is no place like Youth Theatre!”

The Wizard of Oz runs from Wednesday 24 – Saturday 27 April with performances at 2.30pm and 7pm. Book your tickets now by calling Box Office on 01432 340555.