Mission Statement
CATS Youth Theatre Mission Statement
Youth theatre is the most creative, inspiring, dynamic and powerful way of making a difference to a young person's life. We provide a safe, accessible and open forum in which young people can express themselves whilst learning about and making theatre. Our work provides a creative voice whilst building confidence and developing skills. The programme of work belongs to the young people. They own the content of the workshops and the productions from the outset. We believe that theatre by young people should aspire to the highest of standards in terms of both process and product. We want to make theatre, for audiences old and new, that is dynamic, challenging and honest. If you can't be brave when you're young, then when can you? We are committed to promoting Youth Theatre in the Bolton Area.
Aims and principles.
CATS Youth Theatre (CATS) was formed in 1994 by Louise and Paul Cohen, to provide an education in stage skills and experience in theatrical performance for young people ages between 8 and 21 years. CATS aims to challenge young people to develop Confidence, Creativity and Consideration for others, in the context of amateur theatre. CATS is for young people of all races and social backgrounds who are keen to develop their interest in drama and performance in a concentrated way. Because most CATS members will not go into the professional theatre, CATS aims to teach 'transferable skills' as well as theatre skills. These skills fall into three categories:
- Creativity
- Personal development
- Social development
Creativity
Creativity is about getting ideas, experimenting, and making things that didn't exist before. It can be very exciting. But making a good piece of theatre is hard work. It is the combination of discipline and fun that makes theatre feel like a real achievement when it comes off.
Personal development
CATS aims to help its members to: Become confident about speaking and participating in groups both on and off stage. Discover, or hang onto, the joy of playing and using their imagination. Explore different ways of thinking and behaving through acting out different characters. Make wise decisions about their personal lives.
Social development
Social skills are approached through: Working very closely and co-operatively with the other members at all times. Exploring issues that affect our society today. Learning to relate to people who are different from us. CATS Youth Theatre hopes that every member will leave with a store of rich memories that will enhance their personal lives, their careers, and their ability to contribute to society as creative citizens. CATS is operated as a non-profit making organisation. Revenues are derived from ticket sales, subscriptions from the membership and other fund-raising activities. As anyone who has staged a musical will know, expenditure on performance rights, costumes, lighting, rehearsal facilities etc.. can be extensive, but in the event of surplus revenue all funds are re-invested in the society. All members of the Management Team and other responsible adults give up their time on a voluntary basis for the Society.