Hyde Little Theatre celebrates its rising stars

Spotlight shines on first HLT Youth Theatre Awards Night

Hyde Little Theatre’s young performers took centre stage as the group celebrated a special milestone with its first-ever Youth Theatre Awards Night.

The evening brought together young creatives and their families for a red carpet event to celebrate their achievements and enjoy a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. 

Every child received a medal and a treat bag in recognition of their enthusiasm and participation, ensuring that everyone took home a little something to remember the occasion.

The celebrations were made all the more special thanks to the generosity of the local community, with a number of Hyde businesses donating raffle prizes to help make the event a memorable occasion for the young people and their families.

IN PERFORMANCE: Members of HLT Youth Group class members performed at the event and shared a poem.

While the awards evening marked a first for the theatre, its commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers has been building for several years. Hyde Little Theatre launched its Youth Theatre in 2019, welcoming children aged four (provided they are in full-time education) through to young people aged 18.

Based at Studio 9, Market Street, Hyde, the youth group offers professionally led sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with classes arranged according to age. 

Led by professional actress and director Kassie Jay Ellis, alongside experienced tutors Lindsay McHenry and Janine Campbell, and supported by the HLT committee, the programme aims to help young people grow in confidence, develop their theatrical skills and, above all, have fun.

Sessions combine drama games, storytelling, singing and performance activities, giving participants the chance to explore their creativity in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Whether they are taking their first tentative steps onto the theatrical stage or developing a growing passion for performance, there is plenty of opportunity to learn, make friends and discover new talents.

The experience extends beyond regular classes, too. Young members may have opportunities to take part in theatre productions, attend professional performances at local venues, join specialist workshops and perform at public events. They can also become involved in Hyde Little Theatre’s own productions when opportunities arise.

The Youth Theatre’s development has been supported by its links with the wider theatrical community. Since 2022, it has been affiliated with the National Association of Youth Theatres and has also been a proud member of the Greater Manchester Drama Federation and the Association of Community Theatre.

Classes run during the school year, excluding school holidays, and are booked in advance in half-term blocks. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and a waiting list may occasionally operate to allow groups to focus on preparing for performances. Prospective members can enquire about availability and arrange a free trial session.

The first Youth Theatre Awards Night was a fitting opportunity to recognise the enthusiasm and hard work of the young performers who make the group so special and it is hoped the event will be the first of many to come. With confidence growing, talents developing and new opportunities waiting in the wings, Hyde Little Theatre’s future looks set to feature plenty more memorable performances.

For more information about joining the Youth Theatre, email admin@hydelittletheatre.org.

FUTURE HOPES: HLT aims to make the awards celebration the first of many to come.