MID Powys Youth Theatre (MPYT) is delighted to have been awarded a major grant of almost £50,000 from Arts Council Wales to support a year of growth and transformation.
The funding, which amounts to £46,571, will enable business development work with leading arts professionals to take place, including a business consultant, fundraising strategist and outdoor arts leader.
MPYT will also work with leading Welsh audience development specialist (and ex-member) Tabitha Milne.
Since 1987, MPYT has offered life-changing opportunities for local young people, many of whom go on to successful careers, both in the arts and elsewhere, and who credit the organisation with laying the ground for this success.
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One of these is TV and film star Tom Cullen, of Downton Abbey, Knightfall and Gold fame, who spent his childhood in Llandrindod Wells.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today (without Mid Powys Youth Theatre),” said Tom.
“MPYT opened my eyes to a world of possibilities that I hadn’t yet experienced in Mid Wales. It taught me not only early lessons in acting and the arts but the confidence to believe in myself.
“MPYT is a refuge, a safe place to express, learn, be surrounded by like-minded people and to give joy and hope. Like myself, there are hundreds who owe MYPT their careers.”
MPYT’s artistic director Ralph Bolland said: “We’re delighted with this critical support; it’s been a tough few years but this support feels like a major statement of faith in our vision of high-quality theatre engagement for the communities of rural Mid Wales.”
One key aim of the funding is in upskilling young adults through training, internships and on the ground experience, supporting personal and professional growth and creating emerging leadership roles in MPYT projects.
The theatre is keen to hear from any recent alumni and other locals, aged 19-29, who’d like to be part of the project, working with some brilliant partners, both nationally (National Youth Arts Wales, Greenman Festival and Theatre Clwyd) and locally (Wyeside Arts Centre, Willow Globe) to provide training and mentoring over the year.
In the wake of this news, MPYT is actively recruiting new trustees and is issuing a recruitment pack aimed at those with business, arts, finance and access and inclusion experience.
There is no more exciting time to guide MPYT through a year of transformation and shape the future. The company welcomes any local friends and supporters keen to help, there is plenty to do.
To get involved or hear more on any of these opportunities email Ralph or executive producer Kama Roberts on mpyt@mail.com.
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