Hazlitt Youth Theatre is one of the most exciting and popular youth theatre companies in the South-East. It offers a wide variety of skills so that the numerous productions it does in a year can continue to meet the professional standards, which have already been set. It boasts over 160 members and carries a huge list of past performances.

At weekly workshops, the members aged 6-18 have the chance to learn about all aspects of the theatrical world. Not only will each member tackle such skills as improvisation, acting techniques, performing arts, mime, text work, singing and more besides, but let’s not forget the venue itself. Having a youth theatre in such a venue as the Hazlitt gives each member the opportunity to see how the theatre works, to look at the basics of lighting, sound and design and other all important technical qualities.

All of its members have the chance to take part in the varied production programme we offer at the Hazlitt throughout the year. We offer them the chance to be involved in numerous events, the most recent of which are listed in "Previous Productions." HYT also fits in many trips to other venues and theatres both locally and in London. Such trips have included seeing "Lion King," "Metamorphosis," "4.48 psychosis," "Woman in Black," "Midsummer Night's Dream," "Play to Win," "Cooped," "Private Lives" and Antonio Venturiono’s “Mistero Buffo.” Many of these trips also include a backstage tour or a workshop.

HYT offers a great opportunity to all young people aged between 6-18. This is just not a time in which theatre is produced but also a chance to meet new people, socialise, learn new skills and most importantly, have FUN!!!

Workshops are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays evenings for a small termly fee. For further information on joining contact Martin Cleverley on 01622 686958 or e-mail him at martincleverley@maidstone.gov.uk

SUMMER FESTIVAL 11-17 August 2008

This year’s summer festival promises to be a fantastic event with something for all ages. All workshops this year will be 5 days long with a public performance at the end of them all for family and friends to enjoy. Woven into all of that will be 3 brand new productions staged by the Hazlitt Youth Theatre and an art exhibition delivered by local young artists.

6-10 Years
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Monday 11 - Friday 15 August 10.30am - 3.30pm daily
Performance - Friday 15 August 3pm

This year we have invited back THEATRE EXCHANGE. Theatre Exchange is a company that specialise in working with younger children and they will use their skills to produce one
of Roald Dahl’s most famous stories. The participants will rehearse all week and then perform the play on the Friday evening to a public audience.

11-14 Years
Forbidden Theatre
Monday 11 - Friday 15 August 10am - 4pm daily.
Performance - Friday 15 August 5.30pm

We have FORBIDDEN THEATRE COMPANY with us for the week. They are a physical theatre company who specialise in creating new work using text, movement and music. The aim is to work on a brand new idea and generate a piece of theatre for a public performance at the end
of the week.

14-18 Years
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Monday 11 - Friday 15 10am - 4pm daily.
Performance - Friday 15 August 7.30pm

The same team that will be producing and directing the Hazlitt Theatre’s summer spectacular are to return to give the benefit of their knowledge to members of this workshop. One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays will be rehearsed and performed in just one week.

All workshops cost £60 per person for the week. Each place booked will include 2 complimentary performance tickets.

If you book to be part of the Midsummer Night’s Dream Workshop you can enjoy a “buy one get one free” offer on tickets to see the Hazlitt’s Summer Touring version of the same play. Simply book your tickets when booking your place on the workshop.