ILKLEY Playhouse Greenroom drama classes recommence on Saturday, September 7.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Playhouse said: "We have been holding Saturday morning classes for children and students aged eight to 18 for more than 50 years, in some cases attracting successive generations of the same family – and we love to welcome fresh talent.

"Tutors Andrew Leggott and Lisa Debney are long-time Ilkley Playhouse members and experienced stage performers and teachers. They lead the children in games and theatrical exercises, followed by the preparation of drama scenes, usually improvised but occasionally text based. Other skills such as stage fighting, mask work and clowning are also covered.

"The Junior Class runs from 9.30am to 10.30am for children aged eight to 11. This age group are blessed with very few inhibitions and throw themselves (sometimes quite literally) into all the exercises. The classes are also invaluable for the development of the shyer child, building confidence and new friendships in a freer, out of school environment. The Juniors will feature in a production of “Aladdin” by Kathryn Schultz Miller in the Wildman Studio in January 2025.

"The Senior Class runs from 10.45am to11.45am. These 12 to 18-year-olds may still experience some nerves, along with the inevitable struggles of simply being teenagers, and the weekly fellowship that the Greenroom offers – new friends, learning and working together and plenty of laughter – is a refreshing oasis in the midst of school and exams.

"In 2023 the Senior Greenroom entered the National Theatre Connections Festival for the third time, performing the play “(Circle Dreams Around) The Terrible, Terrible Past” by Simon Longman. Twenty-two teenagers were involved. The play was performed three times in our Wildman Studio, then once in York Theatre Royal Studio. We were then selected as one of ten out of 264 Youth Companies nationwide to perform our play in the National Theatre’s Dorfman Theatre on the South Bank in London in June 2023 – a completely unforgettable and enriching experience.

"In March 2024 we worked on Vivienne Franzmann’s insightful play about teenage mental health, “The IT”. This was performed in our Wildman Studio for three nights to great critical acclaim.

"In January 2025 the Seniors will return to the Wharfeside stage with “The Trials”, by Dawn King, a powerful play concerning climate change, set in the not-too-distant future."

Greenroom classes take place every Saturday morning during term time. Fees from September 2024 are £55 per term, payable in advance.

Contact Andrew Leggott if you wish to discuss the sessions by email at: a.leggott1@btinternet.com or call 01943 602014 or mobile 07986032574.