A personal view of BYTF
Posted on Monday, 26 November 2007 at 15:00 by Richard O'NeillCategory: BYTF, NAYT | 1 Comment »
From York Youth Theatre member Joe Feeney:
I do not normally go to massive discos in a huge circus tent wrapped in foil. I also have never seen a play at 9:30 in the morning, followed by three more throughout the day and in between, erforming in workshops myself. So I had obviously never been to the Big Youth Theatre Festival before!
When I arrived at Gilwell Park I was amazed; the site was huge as it is “the most important scout camp in the world” (apparently!) and our campsite was on top of a hill that had a superb view overlooking London. Before long I was mingling with other groups from across the country and even some from around the world such as America and Spain. Everyone got along for one main reason – their love of performing.
Every day there were loads of workshops including comedy, improvisation exploring Shakespeare, circus skills, writing, directing, puppet making – the list goes on and on! On top of all this there were performances by theatre groups that had come to the festival as well as professional performances. One of these performances and a highlight of the festival was our very own Send In The Clowns. It was superbly written and brilliantly performed – I thought it was amazing. Anything goes at BYTF. I went along to an improvisation workshop and found myself in an improvisation performance the following night! The same happened to some circus performers!
Every night there was an open mike where anyone can go up on stage to tell jokes, sing, dance or do what ever they wish. York didn’t let us down, as we had at least one person up every night either singing (Oklahoma!), reading out poems or doing fantastic stand up. Also every night there was a big event in the circus tent-one being a silver masked ball, which ended up with a few members of York being wrapped head to toe in tin foil!
When Sunday arrived I was wishing for it to go on for longer, as I really was having the time of my life-I had laughed for the whole weekend, met so many new people, done things I had never even considered doing. If I were to tell you all the stories and experiences I have had it would need a whole book!
This festival will appeal to everyone in youth theatre and I strongly recommend going. My only regret is not going to any in the past! The only down side to the festival is that it only happens one weekend a year and now I have to wait a whole year for the next one! Maybe see you there?
One Response to “A personal view of BYTF”
By Emma on Feb 12, 2008
BYTF was the highlight of 2007. it was amazing. Joes description fits exactly. Also as being a fellow York member i agree with everything Joe has Mentioned involving York. I can’t wait till this years BYTF comes around and hope it is as great as it was last year.