WOKING YOUTH THEATRE
1. Founding and Early Success:
o WYT was founded in 1983 by David Hawksworth with Rob Leach as a collaborator.
o The group achieved success in local festivals, winning awards and performing numerous acclaimed productions.
2. Closure and Re-establishment:
o Due to health issues, David stepped down in 2006, and the group disbanded in the absence of new leadership.
o WYT was revived in 2021 with Bruce Hazelton as Artistic Director and Chairman and his wife Jo as Stage Manager. Both have long-standing ties to WYT.
3. Membership and Activities:
o Open to youth aged 14-21 without auditions, WYT holds annual productions, including a musical, a play, a short film, and an entry for the Woking Drama Festival.
o Recent shows included Bonny & Clyde (musical, April 2024) and Reservoir Dogs (play, November 2023).
4. Community Impact and Personal Growth:
o WYT provides a safe space for young people to learn performing arts and gain production experience.
o The theatre has positively impacted youths dealing with challenges like bullying and self-esteem issues, helping them form identities and friendships.
5. Special Mentions:
o The audience viewed excerpts from recent productions, and Bruce received a vote of thanks for his presentation.
o Additional guests included members from the Woking Amateur Operatic Society and Rotary Club Prague International.
two visitors from Rotary Club Prague International were also present: Irina A. Brichta, a Past President of the club and former District Governor of District 2240 (covering Czechia and Slovakia), and her husband and fellow Rotarian, Stuart Amesbury. Irina, originally from Czechia, has lived in Prague for 30 years but was raised in the UK.