Horsecross is handing over the reins at Perth Theatre to one hundred and sixty young people for their month-long Perth Youth Theatre Festival this summer.
The festival runs from 12 June until 4 July with Perth Youth Theatre productions and workshops in the theatre and concludes with a 10 Day Play summer performance project open to all theatre-loving 12-16 year olds from 6 to 17 July (limited places, booking essential).
One of the highlights of the festival is the first performance of The Keekin-Gless, a newly commissioned play about Perth poet William Soutar, written through a series of workshops with Perth Youth Theatre by current writer in residence at Soutar House; Ajay Close. The work takes a fresh look at the Fair City's famous son telling his compelling story in an engaging, imaginative and dynamic way.
The packed programme also features productions written, produced, directed and performed by members of Perth Youth Theatre, new writing showcases with professional actors, performances from Chaos Youth Theatre and scenes written by Perthshire Writers Group.
Perth Youth Theatre beginners launch the festival with their own devised work; Cornered, exploring the feelings and reactions of being forced into an inescapable position, directed by Gemma Petrie.
PYT Intermediates present Magico:Resa, some weird happenings on an outward bound course, written by local and well loved playwrights Susan McLymont and David Gray-Buchanan - again created through a process of improvisation and devising by the company.
Chaos Youth Theatre, an associated group based in North Perth, come to the studio theatre for 2 nights with their performances of The Dream Routine directed by Rachel Esdale and What a Wonderful World? directed by Gemma Petrie.
PYT Seniors 1 present Alien Nation. Written by Rod Stewart and directed by Jennifer McGregor, the fast moving play introduces a host of curious characters and their sometimes crazy, sometimes funny and occasionally terrifying obsessions!
In addition, the festival features a New Writing Showcase directed by Horsecross creative director of theatre, Ian Grieve where budding playwrights have the chance to see their work performed by professional actors.
Jennifer McGregor, associate director of Perth Youth Theatre said:
"The young people in PYT have a fantastic opportunity - not every theatre gives over its main stage and resources to their Youth Theatre Company for a whole month.
Each group has the run of the theatre for the week of their performance for pre-production, rehearsals, stage and studio time. It is a great opportunity for the members of Perth Youth Theatre to get a true flavour of the workings of the theatre. We treat the productions exactly as we would with a professional company in terms of set and wardrobe design, stage production, technical set up and rehearsal schedules.
Perth Youth Theatre is a thriving group, bursting with talent across the board from acting and directing, to writing and producing; this is a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their skills, effort and sheer hard work."
For tickets, call Horsecross Box Office on 01738 621 031 or visit www.horsecross.co.uk