About
How did CBW start?
CBW Youth Theatre was formed in January 2005 by Dan Brookes, initially to put on a production of “Oliver” at Stokesley School. However, the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the children and their parents, as well as the very positive feedback from the public who saw the show, meant that CBW had to continue, even though Dan had just been offered a place at GSA (The Guildford School of Acting) to train as an actor.
From the original “Oliver” cast of 30 children, CBW Youth Theatre now has over 60 members, and is always encurraging new people to get involved in our next production.
CBW Academy started in 2009 to support the work of the Youth Theatre. The Academy is a children’s theatre school with a difference! We keep our costs down, compared to other similar groups, helping to ensure that everyone who wants to take part can do so. We offer a range of different courses to suit your child’s specific performing requirements.
What is CBW all about?
Hairspray 2014
CBW is open to all children between the ages of 5 and 20, from Great Ayton, Stokesley and the surrounding area. There is no audition, all are welcome and costs are kept as low as possible. Accessibility and affordability are two key elements in the CBW ethos. The aim is to provide high quality teaching in drama, singing and dance, with regular opportunities to perform in both large-scale shows and small performances. We also offer a variety of summer workshops and courses.
Man of No Importance 2012
One of the strengths of CBW is that it provides children from all the local primary schools, private schools and Stokesley Secondary School with the chance to build up friendships. For instance, children in year 6 have benefited from knowing some friendly faces when they moved into year 7. Parents have also been very involved helping with the big shows, from scenery painting, doing make-up and hair, to making refreshments. Many have commented upon how the opportunities offered by CBW have helped their children gain confidence and how much they love coming to CBW.
The skills children learn with us are skills that will be invaluable in later life, increased confidence and creativity, ability to express themselves through words and movement and a sense of worth and achievement, whilst all the time having lots of fun!!
