Mention child performers and leg warmers, tunes from Annie and pushy mums spring to mind.
Vicki Oliver and Emma Reeder are two young women on a mission to change this image, both through their own company, Wide-Eyed Theatre, and Marlowe Youth Theatre.
Canterbury-based Vicki (28) and Emma (23) are drama graduates from Kent University and describe themselves as “drama facilitators”. Vicky is the director of Wide-Eyed and Emma helps her run the company, which specialises in storytelling and works predominately with schools across east Kent.
Wide-Eyed started running the Marlowe Youth Theatre three years ago and since they took over, it has gone from strength to strength.
Vicki believes this is because it is youth theatre with a difference. She said: “Our unique selling point is that it isn’t just about the children performing tunes from the musicals. Yes, we do put on productions, but everyone has the opportunity to do everything – from lighting and stage management to publicity.
“We don’t audition because we don’t believe it has to be a competition. The sessions are skills-based and everyone can have a go – all they need is an imagination!”
Even the quietest, shyest child gets a chance to shine with Wide-Eyed at youth theatre and Vicki and Emma can recall a host of youngsters who “come out of themselves” under their guidance.
Emma said: “We provide a nice experience for the children, it’s friendly and the group dynamics mean that no one is ever made to feel left out. We listen to their ideas and we work with them.”
The pair firmly believe that as well as confidence, the skills the children learn are transferable and will be of huge benefit later on in life.
Youth theatre performances have included a spot at the Marlowe’s closing gala night in front of a 1,000-strong audience and street performances in Canterbury.
Vicki said: “They were both amazing but the best thing was the children’s reaction – I remember them saying: ‘I didn’t realise I could do that!’”
Places are strictly limited and sell out fast. To book, call the Marlowe Box Office on 01227 787787.