ILKLEY Playhouse Greenroom drama classes recommence on Saturday, September 9th.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Playhouse said: "We have been holding Saturday morning classes for children and students aged eight-18 for nearly 50 years, in some cases attracting successive generations of the same family! We love to welcome fresh talent.

"Tutors Andrew Leggott and Lisa Debney are long-time Ilkley Playhouse members and experienced stage performers and teachers. They lead the children in games and theatrical exercises, followed by the preparation of drama scenes, usually improvised but occasionally text based. Other skills such as stage fighting, mask work and clowning are also covered.

"The Junior class takes place on Saturday mornings from 9.30am-10.30am for children aged eight-11. This age group are blessed with very few inhibitions and throw themselves into all the exercises. The classes are also invaluable for the development of the shyer child, building confidence and new friendships in a freer, out-of-school environment.

"The Senior Class takes place on Saturday mornings from 10.45am –11.45am for children aged 12-18. This age group may still experience some nerves, along with the inevitable struggles of simply being teenagers. The weekly fellowship that the Greenroom offers – new friends, learning and working together and plenty of laughter – is a refreshing oasis in the midst of school and exams. "Many of our Junior and Senior Class students have gone on to become successful professional actors. However, you don’t have to become a star to benefit. Our Greenroom classes are invaluable in increasing confidence and self-esteem. Plus, they are great fun!

"In 2023 the Senior Greenroom entered the National Theatre Connections Festival for the third time, performing the play “(Circle Dreams Around) The Terrible, Terrible Past” by Simon Longman. Twenty-two teenagers were involved. The play was performed three times at Ilkley Playhouse, then once at the York Theatre Royal Studio. We were then selected as one of ten out of 264 Youth Companies nationwide to perform our play in the National Theatre’s Dorfman Theatre on the South Bank in London – a completely unforgettable and enriching experience."

Junior and Senior Greenroom fees are £50 per term, payable in advance. Additional siblings in the same family qualify for a reduction to £45 per term.

If you wish to discuss Greenroom classes contact Andrew Leggott on email at: a.leggott1@btinternet.com or telephone 01943 602014 or mobile 07986032574.