Life skills: learning to perform with KYT

Activities outside of school help to equip children with the skills they need to become well-rounded, confident young people. Whether it’s mastering the martial arts or getting help with your CV, Vivacity’s bustling programme of sporting and cultural activities offers Peterborough’s youngsters the opportunity to do more and go further

Academic work feeds the mind, creating informed, educated individuals ready to take on the workplace. But music, dance and drama are important too – that’s food for the soul! Vivacity’s KYT (Key Youth Theatre), powered by Kindred Drama is home to a community of vibrant, talented young people keen to develop their performing arts skills. Drama, dance, singing and musical theatre workshops are held on weekday evenings and Saturdays, overseen by professionals who are just as keen to pass on their experience and enthusiasm.

KYT is run by Kindred Drama on behalf of Vivacity. Directed by husband and wife team Paul and Lisa Collings, KYT is the only youth performing arts company based in a professional theatre – the Key Theatre – with full use of the building for KYT showings and performances. Students can pick and choose which areas of the performing arts they wish to concentrate on by attending the sessions that interest them. ‘The sessions are a great way for children and young people to develop their confidence, make friends and, of course, have fun in movement and drama,’ explains Vivacity’s Sandy Wardrop. ‘You don’t need to have any previous experience, just enthusiasm that the professionals leading the session can draw on.

Whether it’s singing, acting or dancing, being able to create something from nothing and feed that creativity is something very special indeed.’ Vivacity’s KYT has evolved over the past 25 years to reach an exceptionally high standard of performance. Many alumni have gone on to become very successful actors, with some even returning to lead sessions. Recent examples include Emily Barber, who starred in the West End performance of The Importance of Being Earnest alongside David Suchet, which was screened at the Key Theatre in 2015. Current guest practitioners include actor Robert Gilbert, who has performed with the RSC, and singer Hayley Sanderson, a vocalist on Strictly Come Dancing. KYT sessions are a great opportunity for children and young people to explore the performing arts within a supportive environment. ‘As well as developing confidence, this leads to better teamworking and cooperation skills and, of course, the start of a life-long enjoyment of drama, music and theatre.’ Plenty of nourishment for the soul, then.

Vivacity’s KYT, powered by Kindred Autumn term workshops start from 16 September. For full details of every workshop, including timetables and prices visit the website. Contact: 07496 558801, www.kindreddrama.com

KYT autumn term workshops

● KYT (Drama): Learn a range of drama techniques and theatrical forms through improvisation, voice, movement and devising and working with text. Tues, 4.30-5.15pm (juniors); 5.15-6pm (intermediate); 6-8pm (seniors)
● KYGlee: Join a show choir! Close harmony singing pulled together with staging and movement to create a repertoire of polished performances. Weds, 5.30-7.30pm
● KYMT (Musical Theatre): Sessions focus on the vocals, staging and choreography of abridged version of popular musicals. Sat, 10.45-12.15pm (seniors); 12.45-2.15pm (juniors); 2.30-4pm (Lamda)
● Key Youth Theatre Dance: Take part in sessions that incorporate a variety of styles, including commercial dance, jazz technique and lyrical contemporary. Sat, various times from 9am – 4.30pm